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With food and beverage service positions growing by the day in the U.S. today, proper training is becoming more important than ever before. However, the training meant for these positions comes in different types, and this can be quite confusing for job-seekers and foodservice business owners.
At the moment, the rate of sicknesses related to contaminated food is one in six Americans each year. This makes food handler training one of the most important types for workers in the food and service industry. So, just in case you have been wondering how to become a food safety expert, here’s what you want to know.
First Things First: Who’s a Food Handler?
A food handler, by definition, is a worker who comes into direct contact with food or the surface on which its preparation takes place. There are various types of such workers, but the most common are chefs, line cooks, and servers. Even food truck owners and their additional staff are recognized as food handlers.
Such professionals have a vital role in ensuring food safety from preparation to service. They do this mainly by preventing the different types of contamination that food may be exposed to along the way. As a food handler in the United States, you are expected to undergo training and have enough understanding of food safety and policies. It is always advisable to invest in food handler certification from a reputable provider like RocketCert to ensure you get the latest information and skills.
Must You Take an Accredited Course?
It should be in your best interest to get your training or certificate from a recognized governing body. The most common and trusted food handler cards and certificates are from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). ANAB, which is a subsidiary of the American National Standards Institute, is a non-governmental organization that offers accreditation services to institutions like certification bodies, testing labs, and others.
After completing an ANAB-accredited food handler training, you can refer to your achievement as having earned your food handler’s card or certificate. A food handler’s certificate can also be referred to as a food safety certificate, depending on the context. Keep in mind, however, that you aren’t supposed to imply that you are “certificated”, “certified”, “accredited”, “licensed”, or “registered” after receiving your certificate. Still, it’s crucial to take the training process seriously.
Where to Get Your Training
You typically can choose from online and in-person training when trying to become a food safety expert. Online courses are ideal if you have a busy schedule that would make it difficult to fit in-person training sessions into your life.
Still, the best way to handle this would be to confirm the specific training requirements through your local authority or manager. That’s because some jurisdictions may require you to take some units or complete an entire course that’s hosted by the local health department.
What to Look for in Good Training
There will be a variety of factors you want to consider when choosing a training provider, but the most important, according to us, are:
1. Accreditation
It pays greatly to choose a training provider who has put in the effort to ensure that the courses they offer are accredited. This means that the training materials have been vetted by an external, independent authority to guarantee quality. That way, you can be sure to meet the desired learning outcome in your course and assessment.
2. Updated Content
It’s also a great idea to ensure that the courses you complete are from a provider who regularly updates the content. And while information updates related to the FDA Food Code are important, they aren’t everything. You also want to ensure they update all other elements in their course, as the science of food safety is constantly evolving.
3. Testimonials and Ratings
The third and probably most important factor to consider when choosing a training provider is the feedback they have been getting from food safety experts. This will give you an idea of what they have gotten right with the courses and what doesn’t work great, so you can decide whether that’s what you are looking for.
Upgrade Your Knowledge With RocketCert
As a food handler, you must always remember that you are at the center of the foodservice industry. And since your role comes with a lot of responsibility, it’s important to ensure you have the right skills to navigate an unpredictable industry.
This is where RocketCert comes in. With food handler card courses that have been designed and fully narrated by experts, you can finally gain knowledge and skills that boost your worth.