99 Cents Food Handler (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to get a food handler license in Texas? ›

Only $7.95, 100% Online

Food Handler Cards must be issued by an ANSI National Accreditation Board-Accredited provider.

To renew your food handler Certification, you must complete the Texas food handler certification course again. The entire course must be taken every two years to renew your certificate.

USDA research has found that washing or rinsing meat or poultry increases the risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foodborne illness. From a food safety perspective, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb or veal before cooking it is not recommended as the safest method.

It is important to handle ready-to-eat food safely to protect it from harmful bacteria and allergens. Ready-to-eat food is food that will not be cooked or reheated before serving. This includes salads, cooked meats, smoked fish, desserts, sandwiches, cheese and food that you have cooked in advance to serve cold.

How long is the course? TX DSHS requires the food handler program cover 2 hours of material. However, that is the minimum; you can take longer than that if you wish.

Salmonella, Campylobacter and other harmful bacteria live on raw chicken. Washing or rinsing doesn't remove this risk, it worsens it by helping the bacteria spread. When you add water through washing or rinsing, you give these bacteria a way to travel throughout your kitchen.

Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 ° and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone." That's why the Meat and Poultry Hotline advises consumers to never leave food out of refrigeration over 2 hours.

If the temperature is above 90 °F, food should not be left out more than 1 hour. Keep hot food hot—at or above 140 °F. Place cooked food in chafing dishes, preheated steam tables, warming trays, and/or slow cookers. Keep cold food cold—at or below 40 °F.

The main reason for not touching ready-to-eat foods with bare hands is to prevent viruses and bacteria which are present on your hands from contaminating the food. Improper food handling is one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses.

Which food should not be handled with bare hands? ›

Examples of ready- to-eat foods include: salads, baked goods, sandwiches, lunchmeat, etc. Some ready-to-eat foods that are often overlooked are toast, pizza slices and drink garnishes. None of these foods may be handled with bare hands.

Raw meat can carry germs like viruses and bacteria that can make you sick. These can transfer to our hands, cooking utensils, and other food.

For TABC certification, you must complete a course approved by the TABC. Similarly, for the food handler certification, you must complete an accredited food safety course. Upon completion of each course, you must pass an examination to receive your certification.

Q: How long is my card valid in Texas? A: A food handler card from eFoodcard.com is valid in any Texas county for 2 years from the date of successful test completion. Some Texas cities and counties have additional fees associated with food handler certification.