What Is a Food Handler Card and Do We Need It?

The California Food Handler Card law - SB 602 - is a landmark bill signed in 2010 that created a statewide standard for safe food handling in California's restaurants. This law, however, specifically exempts food handlers employed by licensed health care facilities. There is also potential for confusion as other parts of the California Retail Food Code do apply to SNFs such as employing a manager trained and certificated by ServSafe, and familiar with CAL-Code and inspections by local health departments.
 

New dietary staff must receive food safety training. This is included in the Nutricopia Policy and Procedure Manual for Dietary Staff Orientation Policy #220 and covered in detail in other policies. While safe food handling is mandated by the CMS F-Tag 371, food handler cards are not required for dietary workers in skilled nursing or assisted living facilities. The Nutricopia Registered Dietitian is a knowledgeable source on safe food handling and must be involved in the food safety training for the dietary staff a minimum of annually. Please contact your Nutricopia Registered Dietitian for further information on safe food handling and dietary training. You can email one of our dietitians with your questions at dietitian@nutricopia.co.

Here are some details on the new California Food Handler Card law: The law ensures that food handlers gain and exhibit basic food safety knowledge by passing a test. The California Food Handler Card is recognized throughout the state, though three counties - Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego - have existing local food handler card requirements that are not affected by the state law. Workers in those counties are still subject to the pre-existing county food laws. Food Handler Cards, which become effective July 1, 2011, will be enforced by the local health departments during their inspection process (such as Cal-Code surveys of kitchens).  The article from the California Restaurant Association gives all the details including the 2011 Senate Bill 303 which will add clarification language to the law.  

Read the Food Handler Card FAQ's  from the National Restaurant Association which administers the ServSafe programs.

Free! Food Service Seminar on Food Codes, Rules, Regulations

If you work in the foodservice industry, this seminar is designed to bring you up to date on the latest federal, state and local standards that can impact your day-to-day work habits. Presented by the PG&E Food Service Technology Center in San Ramon; Continental Breakfast and Lunch will be provided!
Date/Time: Thursday May 12th, 2011 - 9:00am to Noon
Location: FSTC - San Ramon, CA
Speaker: Richard Young
For more information visit:  www.fishnick.com.  

Register here