Utah is one of the few states where a high percentage of its residents work in the food industry. According to the law in Utah, a food handler is anyone who works in a food establishment. That includes handling unpackaged food, utensils, food equipment, or food contact surfaces.
If you fall under any of these categories, having an official food handlers’ certificate is a legal requirement. A food handler’s permit certifies that you comply with all the health and safety laws on storage, food handling, and more. It also means you are licensed to sell food, fulfilling all the requirements.
Every food worker in Utah is required by state law to undergo food handler training. It is a mandatory requirement for all food workers, even in temporary food establishments. It should happen within the first 14 days of beginning your new job. Also, if you need to renew your permit, you need to complete the training within seven days before your certification expires.
However, there are some exceptions. If you have a food manager certification, this permit will not be necessary. Also, if you have a backcountry food handlers’ permit and work in a backcountry food establishment in Utah, you are well-covered.
Some of the food service establishments that are legally required to have food handlers’ permits are:
To complete the approved food handlers’ training, you can take two main options. You can opt for an in-person training program or an online training course. Either way, you will get a food handler’s certificate if you successfully pass the test.
If you opt for an in-person class, you will have to commute to the classroom during scheduled times and dates. For this option, you will get your training on a face-to-face basis with your instructor.
However, there is a downside to this option. Your class times and dates will largely depend on your instructor’s schedule and availability. If they should fall sick or have a family emergency, for instance, you might experience a delay in your training. It also depends on the demand for in-person classes.
If you go for this option, you will enjoy more flexibility with your schedule. What is more, you will not have to travel. You can take the training course from the comfort of your home. Many companies conduct online food handlers’ training in Utah, such as Easy Food Handlers.
An online training class is fairly convenient and easy to take. All you have to do is go online and watch a training video for about 75 minutes. You can provide answers to questions as you continue watching, ensuring you understand the facts comprehensively. In the end, you can sit for an online exam containing 40 questions.
After passing the exam, you will be awarded a temporary permit. You can legally use it until you receive your state-approved permit via mail. If you fail to pass, you can always retake the exam two more times after re-watching the training video.
Whether you opt for in-person training or online classes, you must ensure that the training service provider has approval from the Utah Department of Health. Utah has specific requirements regarding what food handlers in its workforce should learn.
For this reason, the state carefully vets each food training service provider before approving them. To get a list of approved training providers in Utah, visit the state website. Here, you will also find a list of approved online courses.
Also, it is worth noting that there is a small health department fee that the State of Utah usually charges for this process. The fee covers costs related to your food handler’s permit, such as mailing and creating the official permit.
Your food handler’s permit is normally valid for three years in Utah. However, when your food handler’s permit expires, do not panic if you are still in the food industry. Utah law allows you to renew the permit within seven days from the date it expires. If you took an online course with Easy Food Handlers, we could send you a reminder to renew it before the expiration date via email, if you so wish.
The process of renewing your food handler’s permit is not much different from getting a permit for the first time. You will need to enroll in a food handler’s course, undergo the training, and pass the exam.
After passing the exam, you can print out your temporary permit and use it as you wait for the local health department to send your official one via mail. After this, you are good to go for the next three years.
Easy Food Handlers is one of the leading State-Approved training companies in Utah, offering fun, easy, and affordable classes in food handling. With over a decade of experience teaching classes, you will be employable in any foodservice establishment in the State of Utah.
If you wish for a guaranteed way to get your Utah food handlers to permit, look no further. Our institution has assisted thousands of food professionals, including those handling food in senior homes, churches, senior centers, and daycares, to name a few. To start working in your desired food establishment in Utah, all you have to do is watch the training video and take the test today.
For more information on obtaining a food handler’s certificate, visit Easy Food Handlers at our office in Salt Lake City, Utah.
