FoodHandler Training Program

 All food workers are required by regulations of the Jefferson County Department of Health to either take the Food Handler training course from the Health Department, or to be trained by a Certified Food Safety Manager and thereafter work only at establishments where there is a Certified Food Safety Manager on duty at all times.

The Jefferson County Department of Health offers its Food Handler Training Course in room L129 of the Health Department building, 1400 6th Avenue South. The fee for the training class is $15 for each participant, and may be paid by cash or money order at registration on the day of the class. A picture identification card must be presented at the time of registration. For dates and time of classes at the Health Department see the schedule or call the Food Safety Class Hotline at 930-1558. The class is offered in Spanish on Wednesdays and Asian languages on Fridays.

Vouchers [prepaid admittance to class] may be purchased on the 2nd floor of the Health Department during normal business hours [M-F, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM]

The Certified Food Safety Manager is required to have training from a recognized food safety manager course and must obtain a Certified Food Safety Manager’s Card from the Health Department.

ServSafe is a nationally recognized Food Safety Manager’s Course offered at the Health Department each month. For information on obtaining a Certified Food Safety Manager’s Card and application form please click here:
Certified Food Safety Manager Application. The Jefferson County Health Department will periodically offer ServSafe in Spanish (all materials will be in Spanish with Spanish speaking instructors). Current rules award 2 points added to an inspection at establishments that have a Certified Food Safety Manager, provided certain conditions are met.

Current regulations require at least one person on duty at every permitted establishment must be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge of food safety effective January 2010. One way to meet this requirement is to pass an accredited training program (such as ServSafe).

New employees must be certified within 21 days of their hire date. Food handler cards are transferable between establishments; certification certificates are transferable only to establishments with Certified Food Safety Managers; it is the responsibility of the original holder of the certificate to transfer.

Food handler training can also be arranged for groups at sites outside the Health Department. The minimum fee is $375 (for 25 participants) plus$15 for each additional participant. The Satellite Class Application and pre-registration must be submitted prior to the class date. To arrange for a Satellite Class at your location call Caloria Robinson at 205.930.1564. Volunteer food handlers are required to undergo training as well. Volunteer classes are offered at your site, free of charge to groups of volunteers, such as school or youth sport concession stand workers. Volunteer cards are valid for two years, but are only valid for non-paid food workers. Call Bruce Braden at 930.1263 for details or to schedule a class.

For any other questions regarding the Certified Food Safety Manager Program or FoodHandler Training Program call Bruce Braden at 205.930.1263.