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Food handler Training

Food Handlers Details

Does the state of Illinois require a food handlers certificate?

In Illinois, Food Fandlers Training is required for food employees or handlers based on the type of food establishment they work in. Generally, employees should receive training within 30 days of hire. Food employee or food handler means an individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces. Food employee or food handler does not include unpaid volunteers or temporary events.

Give your employer a copy of your certificate once you've printed it so they can keep it on hand.

Where can i find more information about the food handlers Certificate in Illinois?

Food Handler Training programs are required to be ANSI accredited or an internal training program approved by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Currently, IDPH only approves internal training programs for non-restaurants. More information about IDPH approval can be reviewed in the state Food Code.

Have more questions about Food Handler Training? Check out IDPH's Frequently-Asked Questions. Additional questions about Food Handler Training may be emailed to the Food Program at DPH.Food@Illinois.gov.

how can i use the illinois food handlers certificate?

You may distribute physical and electronic copies of your Responsible Training Food Handlers Certificate to current and prospective employers, government agencies, or anyone else to demonstrate that you have met the requirements laid out in the ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) ANSI/ASTM E2659-18 standard practice for certificate programs. According to this program, when referring to yourself as a certificate holder, you may say that you are a "Responsible Training Food Handler Certificate Recipient" or a "Holder of a Responsible Training Food Handler Certificate." You may not say that you are "certified," "certificated," "licensed," "registered," or "accredited."

what jobs can i get in illinois with a food handlers certification?

You can work in a variety of establishments with your Food Handlers Certificate. And there are multiple positions within each establishment. These may include, food servers, cooks, chefs, food runners, bussers, and dish washers.

According to the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), in 2019 there were 588,700 restaurant and food service jobs in Illinois, which translates to 10% of total employment. And that number is projected to grow 7% by the year 2029.