Texas Food Safety Training State Requirements

Texas requires food safety training and certification for employees in the food service and hospitality industry. Texas food safety training is for employees (such as chefs, cooks, servers, preparers, vendors, caterers, supervisors and managers) who are involved in preparing, storing, or handling food that work in: (restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, delis, mobile food trucks, assisted-living, day care centers, and convenience stores).

Texas Food Handlers

Texas requires food handler training for all individuals working in Texas food service establishments - (i.e., restaurants, cafes, bakeries, delis, mobile vendors, food trucks, bars, kiosks, convenience stores, and other food service employees).

As of September 1, 2016, according to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER), all food handler service individuals working in Texas facilities who are involved in preparing, storing, or handling food must complete an accredited food handler training course. Employees have have 60 days from date of hire to get their certificate.

• Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – Chapter 228.33
  (d) All food employees, except for the certified food manager, shall successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 60 days of employment.
  (e) The food establishment shall maintain on premises a certificate of completion of the food handler training course for each food employee.

Texas Certified Food Managers

Texas requires each retail food establishment to have a person-in-charge, an owner, or manager of a food establishment be a Certified Food Manager (CFM) as outlined in the Texas Food Code by successfully passing an ANSI-accredited and Texas Department of State Health Service approved – food safety certification exam.

• Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – Chapter 228.33
  (a) At least one employee that has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program.

The Food Safety Manager Principles Course provides necessary training to help you prepare for the nationally-accredited ANSI Certification Exam.

The Food Manager ANSI Certification Exam is taken to certify that the food manager has demonstrated that he or she has the knowledge, skills and abilities required to protect the public from foodborne illness and is valid for 5 years.