The Food Handlers Program trains and educates food handlers and managers in Kansas City, Mo. Every year about 77 million cases of food borne illness occur, and about 5,200 people die.
Per the new draft Food Code currently pending City Council approval, the Health Department offers an optional food handler training program and a mandatory food manager training program. Though food handler cards are no longer required by the Health Department in the new draft, it is highly recommended that food handlers attend the class. The food managers card is required for all managers during hours of operation. Further changes to these requirements will be announced with the new Food Code once it is approved.
Training through the Health Department will provide information regarding good food handling practices. Topics include: proper hand washing techniques; proper cooling, and reheating temperatures; illnesses which must be reported; proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment; food borne illnesses and what cause those illnesses; and much more.
Upon completion of the training course, the Food Handler Card will be issued. This card informs the public that the individual attended and passed the training course and is qualified to work in the food industry handling food. Please bring a photo ID with you when you pick up your food handler or manager card. Since 2004, this program has trained over 65,500 people in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Food Handler Training Classes are available several times throughout each month and are offered in a variety of languages. Food Safety Training is also available online. To learn more about these classes and to pre-register, call 816-513-6015 or visit the training class Web page.
Food Handler Training Program
2400 Troost Ave, Suite 3300
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-513-6015
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Classes are held in Biery Auditorium on the lower level of the Health Department building.
Please be aware that if school districts close schools near the Health Department due to inclement weather, food classes will likely be cancelled as well. Please call to confirm possible weather-related Handler and Manager class cancellations.
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