Food Establishments Group: Food Handler Program

The Food Handler Education or Training Program (FHP) §229.178 is based on Senate Bill (SB) 552 of the 80th Legislature (2007), regarding the accreditation of basic food safety education or training programs for food handlers.

This rule is intended to provide the framework for the accrediting food safety education or training programs for food handlers. A uniform standard governing the accreditation of food handler programs enhances the recognition of reciprocity among regulatory agencies and reduces the expense of duplicate education incurred when food handlers work in multiple regulatory jurisdictions. Education of the food handlers provides more qualified employees, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks caused by improper food preparation and handling techniques.

The Texas Department of State Health Services, Food Handler Program, along with the Certified Food Manager Program, is dedicated to the health and safety of the citizens of the state, educating food service employees in the principles of food safety to produce safe food products for Texas consumers.

Please email the Certified Food Manager Program if you would like additional information, or telephone (512) 834-6727.

Food Handler Education or Training Program (PDF 21KB)
How to Become an Accredited Food Handler Program (PDF 21KB)

Accredited Food Handler Training Programs

Accredited Classroom Training (PDF 25KB)

Accredited Online Training (PDF 23KB)

Accredited Private Training -- Accredited PRIVATE Food Handler Programs DO NOT offer training to the public. (PDF 17KB)

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Accredited Food Handler Training Programs "Sample Certificates"

All Food Handler Certificates now display a watermark in the form of text, graphics or background. The watermarks were added June 1, to September 28, 2009, to ensure certificate authenticity. If you have a question regarding a food handler certificate, please contact the issuing Food Handler Program for information or verification.

A + Food Industry Inspections, Inc. (PDF 85KB)

Adept On-Site Services (PDF 45KB)

Advance Service Training (PDF 1.3MB)

Allen I. S. D. Student Nutrition Program (PDF 29KB)

Brookshire Grocery Company(PDF 201KB)

Child Inc (PDF 61KB)

City of Austin EHS Food Handler Training (PDF 82 KB))

El Paso Food Handlers (PDF 209KB) (Now known as Food Handlers of Texas (PDF 205KB))

First Defense Food Handler Training (PDF 28KB)

Food Handler Classes License #8 (PDF 221KB)

Food Handler Classes License #41 (PDF 68KB)

Food Handlers of Texas (PDF 205KB) (formerly El Paso Food Handlers (PDF 78KB))