In Arizona, food handlers cards are required for all employees who handle food. This requirement aims to ensure that food is prepared and served safely. The state of Arizona has set strict guidelines for food preparation and handling, and anyone who works in the food industry must follow these guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses.
The process of obtaining a food handlers card in Arizona is relatively simple. Employees must complete an approved food safety course and pass an exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their food handlers card. This official food handler card must be renewed every three years to ensure employees stay updated on food safety guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- All food industry employees in Arizona are required to have a food handlers card.
- Obtaining a food handlers card involves completing an approved food safety course and passing an exam.
- It is important to keep your food handlers card up-to-date by renewing it every three years.
Who is Required to Have a Food Handler Card in Arizona
In Arizona, food safety regulations are enforced by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (link). Arizona requires that all food service employees have a valid Food Handlers Card, which demonstrates that they have completed an approved and accredited food handler safety training course.
Restaurant Workers
All employees working in a food establishment, including part-time, temporary, or full-time employees, must obtain a food handlers card in Arizona. This includes restaurant workers who handle, prepare, serve, or sell food.
Bartenders
Bartenders working in a food establishment must also obtain a food handlers card in Arizona. This is because they may be handling food items such as garnishes or preparing food such as appetizers.
You can take the Title 4 and food handler certifications together online at 360Training.
Catering Employees
Catering employees working in a food establishment must obtain a food handlers card in Arizona. This includes individuals who handle, prepare, or serve food at events or functions.
School Cafeteria Staff
School cafeteria staff working in a food establishment must obtain a food handlers card in Arizona. This includes individuals who handle, prepare, or serve food in a school cafeteria or other educational facility.
It is important to note that although food handlers cards are not required by state law, individual counties in Arizona may set their requirements for restaurants and other food service businesses. Therefore, checking with your restaurant manager or local county health department is important to determine if additional requirements apply.
Process of Getting a Food Handler Card
To obtain a food handlers card in Arizona, individuals must complete a training and certification program and pass an examination. The process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online.
Training and Examination
The first step in obtaining a food handlers card is to complete a training program. The training program is available online and can be conducted in English or Spanish. The program takes approximately 30 minutes and covers food safety, personal hygiene, food safety knowledge and cross-contamination topics.
After completing the training program, individuals must pass an examination. The examination is also available online and consists of multiple-choice questions. Individuals must score at least 70% to pass the test. If an individual does not pass the examination on the first attempt, they can retake it for free.
Card Issuance
Once an individual has completed the training program and passed the examination, they can immediately download and print their food handlers card. The card is valid for three years from the date of issuance.
It is important to note that nearly all counties in Arizona require employees working in a state-registered food establishment to obtain a food handlers card. Failure to obtain a food handlers card can result in fines and the closure of the food establishment. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals working in the food industry in Arizona obtain a food handlers card as soon as possible.
Overall, obtaining a food handlers card in Arizona is a simple process that can be completed online. By completing the training program and passing the examination, individuals can ensure that they are knowledgeable about food safety and are in compliance with local regulations and with Arizona state law.
Legal Implications of Not Having a Food Handler Card
Penalties
In Arizona, food service workers who do not obtain a food handlers card can face legal penalties. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, “any person who violates any provision of these rules is guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor.” This means that individuals can be fined up to $750 or face up to four months in jail for not having a valid food handler license or handlers card. Additionally, if an establishment is found to have employees without valid food handlers cards, the business can be fined up to $2,000 per occurrence.
Business Consequences
Not having a food handlers card can also have serious consequences for businesses. In addition to fines, businesses can face negative publicity and damage to their reputation. Customers may be less likely to eat at an establishment where employees are not properly trained in proper food safety procedures, and negative reviews on social media or online review sites can harm a business’s bottom line. Furthermore, if an employee causes a foodborne illness outbreak, the business could face legal action and lawsuits, which can be expensive and time-consuming to defend against.
To avoid these legal and business consequences, all food service workers in Arizona need to obtain a valid food handlers card. By doing so, they can demonstrate their commitment to food safety and protect themselves and other food workers and their employers from potential legal and financial repercussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to obtain a food handlers card in Arizona?
In Arizona, most counties require anyone in the food service industry who handles food, utensils, or equipment that comes in contact with food to obtain a food handlers card. This includes individuals working in restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks, and other food service establishments.
What are the steps to obtain a food handlers card in Arizona?
Individuals must complete an approved food handler’s training certificate course to obtain a food handler’s card in Arizona. This course provides essential knowledge on food safety practices, proper handling and storage of food, personal hygiene, and preventing foodborne illnesses. Once the course is completed, individuals must pass a test to receive their food handlers card.
Where can I get a food handlers card in Arizona?
Food handlers training courses can be taken online or in person at various locations throughout Arizona. The employer may offer some courses, while others can be completed independently. It is important to ensure that the state of Arizona approves the food handler certificate course before enrolling.
You can take State Approved Title 4 and food handler certifications together online at 360Training.
How long is a food handlers card valid in Arizona?
A food handlers card is valid for three years in Arizona. After three years, individuals must complete the food handlers training course and pass the test again to renew their AZ food handlers card.
Are there any exemptions to the food handlers card requirement in Arizona?
Yes, there are exemptions to the food handlers card requirement in Arizona. Individuals who work in a food service establishment that only serves pre-packaged, non-perishable items are not required to obtain a food handlers card. Additionally, individuals who work in a food service establishment that is not open to the public, such as a corporate cafeteria, may be exempt from the the food handler cards requirement.
What is the cost of obtaining a food handlers card in Arizona?
The cost of obtaining a food handlers card in Arizona varies depending on the food handler training course provider. Some courses may be offered for free by the employer, while others may charge a fee. On average, the cost ranges from $10 to $20.
