A Complete Guide to Food Handler's Requirements in TX

Written by Staff Writer

Working within the bustling culinary world of the Lone Star State comes with its own responsibilities, none more important than ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer wondering how to get a safety permit for this work, you're likely aware by now that local governments take hygiene standards very seriously. Workers who prepare or serve unpackaged items are considered essential personnel and need approved instruction before getting to work.

This article provides helpful information on how to obtain a work permit for this field.

Texas Food Safety

The foodservice industry is booming. And it's expected to continue growing. In 2022, there were about 13.9 million people employed in the industry in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 2.6 million job openings each year through 2032. Recent data reveals that in 2023, the Texas foodservice industry became the largest source of private-sector employment in the state.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) oversees food safety. Its many public health responsibilities include regulating restaurants and retail food businesses.

DSHS requires that every worker who serves, handles or stores food must complete an accredited food handler course. Proof of certification must be provided within 60 days of starting a foodservice job.

Jobs That Require Training

The first step to getting your safety approval is to complete a department-approved program. Some examples of occupations that require an official work completion document include:

  • Restaurant workers
  • Kitchen employees
  • Cooks
  • Prep cooks
  • Chefs
  • Hosts and hostesses
  • Bussers
  • Deli workers
  • Mobile stand employees
  • Servers

Why It's Important

Food safety regulations are in place to keep patrons safe from foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 48 million people in the United States get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year.

To combat this, courses teach safe techniques for food prep and handling. With so many workers in the industry, having trained and qualified employees is vitally important to public health.

Millions of meals are served daily across the state, from Amarillo to San Antonio and El Paso to Houston. Ensuring food workers have the skills to handle food safely is paramount. Consumers are protected from potential hazards when employees practice proper hygiene, foodborne illness prevention and contamination reduction skills.

Convenient Options

Web-based programs offer a flexible and accessible solution for obtaining valid credentials. Individuals can study at their own pace and access materials from any location with internet access. These programs make it easy to adjust coursework around busy schedules and personal commitments.

Relevant training covers a variety of topics on proper handling practices, including region-specific laws and regulations. Program subjects can vary depending on your jurisdiction.

Areas of focus include:

  • Basic safety practices
  • Personal hygiene
  • Avoiding cross-contamination
  • Preventing illness
  • Time and temperature controls
  • Proper storage methods
  • Cleaning and sanitization
  • Recognizing spoilage

Additionally, completing lessons through digital platforms equips workers with essential skills while simplifying the approval process. This approach is ideal for busy professionals starting their careers or renewing an expired permit to meet regional regulations.

Texas Food Handler Course

Luckily, the journey to food safety certification is a breeze. Our Texas Food Handler Certification Training course is offered 100% online. This program is DSHS-approved throughout the state. You can complete the two-hour course on your schedule in the comfort of your own home.

Better still, our course requires no quizzes or a final exam. Once you complete your studies, you can download your certification and card immediately. The state will be notified automatically of your status and your card will be valid statewide.

Learning materials are available 24/7. You can log in and out, stop and start whenever you need to, from any online device.

Program Overview

This quick and efficient program teaches safe preparation and management techniques. These concepts are crucial for all culinary professionals to understand and implement daily.

To prepare you to implement current best practices, the program consists of five main modules:

  • Understanding Illnesses
  • Hygienic Protocols
  • Avoiding Contamination
  • Managing Cross Contamination
  • Monitoring Time and Temperature

Getting Your Card

Once you've completed your instruction and received your permit, you're ready to go! Approvals are valid for two years. You will need to retake the program every two years to renew this qualification.

If you lose your permit, you can log into the program dashboard at any time to reprint your document.

Your permit shows employers and regulators that you possess the skills needed to manage consumables responsibly. This qualification creates opportunities in many settings, including restaurants, catering, mobile vendors, grocery stores and more.

Completing this process is more than just an achievement — it's a steppingstone toward a responsible and successful career.

Training in Other States

Standards for managing consumables are a nationwide priority. Most areas require hospitality workers to complete some form of instruction. Whether you're a BBQ chef in Austin or working in Chicago's culinary scene, you can take advantage of Seller Server's many government-compliant programs.