What You’ll Learn in Food Safety Training in Texas
Written by Staff Writer
Thinking about working in a restaurant, bar, grocery store or similar establishment in the Lone Star State? Learning about Texas food handler certification and training requirements is the first step.
To ensure public safety, the state requires specific workers to undergo food handler training. This course covers essential skills like safe food prep, preventing foodborne illnesses, and understanding food safety laws.
Our guide provides everything you need: training requirements, how to enroll in the course, who must take it, and when to renew your certification.
What It Covers
The state requires workers who contact uncooked foodstuffs and related equipment to take a food safety certification course approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
These courses teach you how to properly handle, prepare and serve foodstuffs. Lessons also cover how to use and sanitize related equipment, surfaces and utensils to protect diners from becoming sick.
You’ll learn about the following safety topics:
- General food safety inspection requirements
- Sanitation and cross-contamination prevention
- Safe storage, handling and buying practices
- Temperature and time guidelines
- Contaminants, biohazards and foodborne illness
- Recognizing signs of spoilage
- Worker health and hygiene
When you successfully complete a DSHS-approved course, you will earn a card that enables you to work for establishments that serve food anywhere in the state, including grocery store delis, bakeries, restaurants and bars.
Your food handler card is valid for two years after course completion, and renewing is as easy as taking the class again.
Who Needs to Take the Course?
If your work involves handling foodstuffs or preparation equipment — including unpackaged foods, dining utensils, and more — you must take a DSHS-approved course within 30 days of being hired.
This is how the state helps prevent poor health habits, cross-contamination and unsafe storage or hygiene practices that can increase diners' risk of contracting a foodborne illness.
Staff who are required to take this course span far beyond the cooks and sous chefs performing the actual preparation.
- Here are examples of workers required to finish a state-approved program: Servers, hostesses and bussers
- Kitchen staff
- Dishwashers
- Barbacks
- Workers involved in manufacturing, processing or packaging of foods
- Food transportation or distribution of workers
You can find more information on the workers who must obtain a handler card here.
How to Get the Training You Need
We offer a fast, convenient way to get your certificate 100% online in as little as two hours. Our high-quality program is approved by the Texas DSHS and covers all required food safety guidelines so you feel confident, prepared and knowledgeable about your role in protecting the dining public.
Our online training program can be completed from any internet-connected device at home or on the go and does not include quizzes or final exams. Just finish the program at your pace, then instantly download your certificate to fulfill state requirements.
We automatically report your course completion to the state. There’s no additional paperwork — just show your employer your digital certificate within 30 days of your hiring date.
Get Your Handler Card Now
Getting your handler card in Texas doesn’t have to mean sitting through a class on your day off. Get your certification and train at your own pace with our 100% online Texas certification course today.
If you'll serve or sell alcohol at work, bundle your food handler card with TABC Certification to get both state-approved courses at a discount.
We simplify meeting state training requirements, ensuring your customers enjoy a safe and positive experience in your establishment.