Introduction
San Bernardino County boasts a diverse and thriving culinary landscape, from bustling restaurants to innovative food trucks. This vibrant food scene relies heavily on the diligent efforts of food handlers, individuals who play a critical role in ensuring the safety and quality of the food we consume. Every day, these professionals contribute to the success of local businesses and the well-being of the community. However, handling food responsibly requires knowledge and training. Food safety is paramount. Failing to follow proper procedures can lead to foodborne illnesses, impacting individuals and damaging the reputation of establishments. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, training, and certification process for food handlers in San Bernardino County, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to excel in your role and contribute to a safe and healthy food environment.
Who Needs a Food Handler Card in San Bernardino County?
The term “food handler” encompasses a wide range of individuals working in food facilities. If you’re directly involved in the preparation, storage, service, or handling of food intended for public consumption, you likely need a food handler card in San Bernardino County. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
Food Handler Roles
Chefs and Cooks: Those responsible for preparing meals, from chopping vegetables to cooking entrees.
Servers: Individuals who take orders and deliver food to customers.
Bussers: Staff who clear tables and assist servers.
Dishwashers: Employees who clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment.
Bartenders: Those who prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Food Vendors: Individuals selling food at events, festivals, or markets.
Catering Staff: Employees who prepare and serve food at catered events.
Bakery Staff: Those involved in the preparation and handling of baked goods.
Essentially, anyone who comes into contact with unpackaged food, food-contact surfaces (such as utensils and equipment), or food packaging materials in a food facility needs a food handler card. This requirement applies to various types of food businesses, including:
Types of Food Businesses
Restaurants of all types
Cafés and coffee shops
Mobile food trucks and food carts
Catering companies
School cafeterias
Hospital food service departments
Grocery stores with food preparation areas
Bakeries and pastry shops
It’s essential to confirm with your employer or the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health if your specific role requires a food handler card.
Exemptions and Age Requirements
While most food-related roles necessitate certification, there might be certain exemptions. For instance, some volunteer organizations or religious institutions preparing food on a limited basis might have different requirements. It’s crucial to verify any exemptions with the local health authorities to ensure compliance. There’s no set minimum age to obtain a food handler card in San Bernardino County, but some training providers might have their own age restrictions for enrollment.
Approved Food Handler Training Programs
To obtain a food handler card in San Bernardino County, you must complete a training program from an approved provider. These programs are designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses. Several approved providers offer courses both online and in person, making it convenient to find a training option that suits your needs.
Examples of Training Providers
Here are a few examples of training providers, but you should always verify their current approval status with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health:
StateFoodSafety: A widely recognized online training provider offering ANSI-accredited food handler courses.
Learn2Serve: Another popular online provider with courses approved in many jurisdictions.
360training: Provides various online safety courses, including food handler training.
Local Community Colleges: Some community colleges in San Bernardino County might offer in-person food handler certification courses.
Verifying Approval and Course Content
It’s imperative to choose a training program that’s officially approved by the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. These programs undergo rigorous review to ensure they meet the required standards for food safety education. To verify approval, check the provider’s website for accreditation information or contact the Health Department directly. Do not take a course from an unapproved provider as you will need to retake it from an approved course.
Approved food handler training programs cover a range of critical topics, including:
Key Training Topics
Personal Hygiene: Emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing techniques, wearing clean uniforms, using hair restraints, and reporting illnesses.
Cross-Contamination Prevention: Teaching methods to prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria from raw foods to cooked foods, such as using separate cutting boards and utensils.
Time and Temperature Control: Educating food handlers on the proper cooking, holding, and cooling temperatures for different types of food to prevent bacterial growth.
Cleaning and Sanitizing: Explaining how to properly clean and sanitize food contact surfaces and equipment to eliminate harmful pathogens.
Pest Control: Providing guidance on identifying and preventing pest infestations in food facilities.
Course Format, Duration, and Language Options
These courses generally take a few hours to complete, and the format can vary depending on the provider. Online courses typically involve interactive modules, videos, and quizzes. In-person courses usually consist of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations. Many courses are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, to accommodate the diverse population of San Bernardino County. Course fees vary depending on the provider and the format of the training, but you can typically expect to pay somewhere in the range of twenty to forty dollars.
Obtaining Your Food Handler Card or Certificate
Once you’ve selected an approved training program, you’ll need to register for a course. This typically involves providing your personal information and paying the course fee. After completing the training modules, you’ll be required to take an exam to demonstrate your understanding of the material. The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions, and you’ll need to achieve a passing score (often around seventy-five percent) to receive your food handler card.
Card Issuance and Validity
The food handler card or certificate is usually issued immediately upon passing the exam, especially for online courses. In some cases, it might be mailed to you. Make sure to keep your card in a safe place, as you’ll need to present it to your employer as proof of certification. A food handler card in San Bernardino County is typically valid for three years. You’ll need to renew your certification before it expires to continue working as a food handler.
Food Safety Practices for Food Handlers in San Bernardino County
Obtaining your food handler card is just the first step. Applying the knowledge you’ve gained is crucial to maintaining a safe food environment. Here are some essential food safety practices that every food handler in San Bernardino County should follow:
Personal Hygiene
Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds before handling food, after using the restroom, after touching your face or hair, and after handling raw meat or poultry.
Clean Uniforms: Wear clean uniforms or aprons every day to prevent contamination of food.
Hair Restraints: Use hairnets, hats, or other hair restraints to keep hair out of food.
No Jewelry: Avoid wearing excessive jewelry, as it can harbor bacteria.
Reporting Illness: If you’re feeling sick, especially if you have symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, stay home from work to prevent spreading illness to others.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Separate Cutting Boards: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats, poultry, and seafood to prevent cross-contamination.
Proper Storage: Store raw meats, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelves of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
Time and Temperature Control
Thermometers: Use a food thermometer to ensure that foods are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
Safe Holding Temperatures: Keep hot foods hot (above one hundred thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit) and cold foods cold (below forty-one degrees Fahrenheit) to prevent bacterial growth.
Cooling Food Properly: Cool hot foods quickly to prevent bacterial growth. Use shallow containers or an ice bath to speed up the cooling process.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Cleaning and Sanitizing: Clean and sanitize food contact surfaces regularly with an approved sanitizer.
Allergen Awareness
Allergen awareness is also paramount. Be aware of common food allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish) and take steps to prevent cross-contact. Communicate effectively with customers about ingredients and potential allergens in menu items.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers in San Bernardino County have a crucial role to play in ensuring food safety. They’re responsible for:
Key Employer Duties
Ensuring Employee Certification: Verifying that all food handlers have valid food handler cards.
Maintaining Records: Keeping records of employees’ food handler cards on file.
Providing Ongoing Training: Offering ongoing food safety training to employees to reinforce best practices and address any knowledge gaps.
Food Safety Culture: Creating a strong food safety culture within their establishments, where employees are encouraged to prioritize food safety and report any potential hazards.
San Bernardino County Food Safety Regulations and Inspections
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health is responsible for enforcing food safety regulations and conducting inspections of food establishments. These inspections are designed to ensure that food businesses are operating in compliance with the California Retail Food Code and other relevant regulations. Common violations found during inspections include improper food storage, inadequate handwashing facilities, and failure to maintain proper food temperatures. Consequences for violations can range from fines to suspension of permits, so it’s crucial for food businesses to prioritize food safety.
Resources and Contact Information
For more information about food handler requirements and food safety regulations in San Bernardino County, visit the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health website or contact them directly:
Important Contacts
San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Website: (Insert Actual Link Here – you’ll need to find the official website)
Phone: (Insert Actual Phone Number Here – you’ll need to find the official number)
You can also find a list of approved food handler training providers on the Department of Public Health website. Links to these providers include StateFoodSafety, Learn2Serve and 360training. Additional resources include the California Retail Food Code and the FDA website.
Conclusion
Food handler training and certification are essential for protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the food supply in San Bernardino County. By obtaining your food handler card and following proper food safety practices, you can contribute to a healthier and safer community. Remember to prioritize food safety in all aspects of your work, and stay informed about the latest regulations and best practices. Get your food handler card today and be part of the solution!
