What Texas Food Handlers Need to Know

 In addition to those facilities that have a permanent location, those working in mobile food services also must understand the requirements of Texas food handlers.

There are three essential areas that Texas food handlers must be proficient in including preparing foods, storing foods and safe cooking practices. The state of Texas does not require all handlers to be certified or have an appropriate card, but anyone in charge, such as a certified food manager, is responsible for training their workers in the practices related to their specific job duties. Whether they are working in storage, cooking or preparing foods, each person in the facility must be made aware of the requirements of all Texas food handlers.

In addition to on-the-job training, workers can learn about requirements by taking courses either in a classroom setting or online. There is no state regulation stipulating that all Texas food handlers be trained through a training program by an accredited agency, but they are not permitted to work on their own. The certified food manager must supervise anyone without a Texas food handlers card so that the safety of their customers is insured.

This particular training will include how raw foods are stored, whether frozen or refrigerated and how different species of foods must be separated under either condition. To earn their Texas food handlers card workers must also know not to store raw foods over cooked foods, regardless of the species.  They will also learn about the proper temperatures to which all species must be cooked to ensure they have been thoroughly cooked to eliminate the potential for food borne illness.

Once an employee believes they have learned everything necessary, they can take the exam to earn their card and if they are successful they will be able to not only work on their own, but also begin to train other Texas food handlers as they enter the work force. However, even if everyone in a facility has an appropriate card, state and local officials will inspect all facilities, usually on a monthly schedule, to make sure they are following the state health guidelines.

Part of the inspection process includes ensuring everyone working in the facility has received adequate Texas food handlers training for the job they are performing. With certified food service managers, their certificate should be displayed in plain sight, or be readily available for inspections on each visit to the facility.