| Food handlers and managers class |
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Food safety education is a key element of the Food Protection Program. The Food Handlers Training Program offers a variety of classes for those who work in food establishments.
Anyone who handles food prepared or served to the public should attend a food safety course. Under the current Food Code, food establishments may choose one of two options:
- A certified food service operations manager must be present in the food service area and on duty at all times of business operations, and must present a food manager permit or card to the authorized regulatory authority inspector at the time of inspection, or
- For food service operations where no manager is certified, 80 percent of required food handler staff shall obtain a three-year food handler card from the City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department either upon completion of the food handler course through the Health Department, or upon the Health Department's approval of a comparable food handler permit or card from another provider.
Establishments must select one of the two options; they may not alternate between them.
Who needs to receive this training? The Food Handlers Training Program offers classes for two types of food workers:
- Food Handler’s Training – This optional class is highly recommended for anyone that works directly with the preparation or cooking of food.
- Food Safety for Managers/Owners Training – This class is mandatory for all owners and/or managers of food establishments.
Does this class cost a fee?
Yes. All payments must be paid prior to attending the class. Payments can be made by cash, credit (Visa, MasterCard), Debit, or money order. If you are paying in cash, please bring the exact amount; we are unable to change large bills.
- The Food Handler’s Training Class costs $10 for a 3-year certification, plus an additional $10 if the attendee would like a food handler card.
- The Food Safety for Managers/Owners Training Class costs $50 for a 5-year certification.
How do I register for a class?
You may register online or call 816-513-6015 to register by phone.
*** Pre-registration 48 hours in advance is required for all classes. ***
When are classes offered?
Food Handler Training for food workers and Food Safety Training for managers and owners are offered once a month, on the dates listed in the online food registration form. Classes will fill up, so register early.
What do I need to bring to class with me?
You will need the following for class:
- Picture ID – Current driver’s license, passport, military ID, stat-issued picture ID, consulate and resident ID
- Cash, credit, or debit card for the cost of the class; if paying cash, bring exact amount.
- OPTIONAL: If you would like to print off the presentation and bring it with you to class, you can find that document below in either English or Spanish.
Child care is not provided, so please make arrangements in advance; children are not permitted in the classroom.
What does the class cover?
Class topics include:
- Demonstration of knowledge
- Assignment of responsibility
- Ready-to-eat food dating
- Consumer advisory
- Cold holding
- Scoreless inspection report
- Pasteurized eggs, certain recipes
- Time as a public health control
- No bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods
- Restriction or exclusion of ill food workers
- Best management practices for fats, oils and greases
What kind of certification is provided for completing the class?
A test is given at the conclusion of the class, and those who score 70 percent or better on the exam will receive a Food Handlers Card.
If you score less than 70 percent, you may retest at a later date free of charge. Please call and schedule a time to retake the exam.
What if I have already attended a food safety training course through another Health Department?
We accept food safety training from the City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department, Clay County Health Department, Independence Health Department and ServSafe. For questions regarding other training classes, please contact our office.
If you already have a plastic Platte County or Clay County card, you do not need a Kansas City card; likewise, if you have a plastic Kansas City card and go to work in Platte County or Clay County, your Kansas City card will be accepted. If you have the older paper card, you do need to get a new, plastic card from one of these agencies.
