Blog / February 16, 2024 / Vinny Gentile / UPDATED February 16, 2024

A Quick Guide to Securing Your Austin Food Handlers License

Ready to grow your restaurant business in Austin? Before getting started, it’s important to ensure that your restaurant is adhering to the local licenses and permits required. This first starts with a food handlers permit.

To obtain a food handler’s permit in Austin, Texas, you must complete a state-approved food handler training course, pass a food manager exam if you are a food manager, and display your state-certified food manager certificate. The certificate must be kept in the mobile food unit and be visible to customers. It’s also crucial to review the relevant laws and policies.

Here are a few simple steps to get started with food handlers permit in Austin:

1. Complete a Food Handler Training Program

Purpose: This course is necessary for all employees who prepare or handle food. It ensures that they understand the basics of food safety and hygiene.
Estimated Cost: The cost may vary depending on the training provider.
Instructions: The course can be taken either in a classroom setting or online. It must be accredited either through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the State of Texas. The establishments are responsible for ensuring their employees undergo training at the proper intervals and maintain a record of the training for each employee at the establishment.

2. Pass the Food Manager Exam

Purpose: This is required for the food manager of the mobile food unit. It ensures that they have a comprehensive understanding of food safety and hygiene.
Estimated Cost: The cost may vary depending on the exam provider.
Instructions: The food manager must pass an ANSI-CFP Accreditation Program. There must be a worker with a state-certified food manager certificate at the mobile vending unit during all hours of operation.

3. Display the Food Manager Certificate

Purpose: This is to show customers that the food manager has passed the necessary exam and is certified to handle food.
Estimated Cost: There is no cost associated with displaying the certificate.
Instructions: The state-certified food manager certificate must be printed and displayed so customers can easily see it. The food manager must always keep a copy of the certificate in the mobile unit.

4. Review Laws and Policies

Purpose: This is to ensure that you are compliant with all relevant food safety laws and policies.
Estimated Cost: There is no cost associated with reviewing laws and policies.
Instructions: You can refer to the Austin City Food Code 10-3-31, Texas Licensing of food handler training programs, Texas Requirements for individuals seeking food manager certification, and Travis County 247.024 Certified Food Manager for more details.

Once you’ve followed these steps, you’re well on your way to building a new food business in Austin. Explore our additional sources to learn more about food permit and license requirements:

Useful Information Source Links:

FAQs

Do All Employees Need to Complete a Food Handler Training Course?

Yes, all employees who prepare or handle food must complete a state-approved food handler training course.

Who Needs to Pass the Food Manager Exam?

The food manager of the mobile food unit needs to pass the food manager exam.

Where Should the Food Manager Certificate be Displayed?

The food manager certificate should be displayed in the mobile food unit where customers can easily see it.

How Often Should Employees Undergo Foood Handler Training?

The establishments are responsible for ensuring their employees undergo training at the proper intervals. However, the certificate is valid for 2 years from the effective date.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Sources:

Austin Texas Gov. Food Handler Training and Certificate. https://www.austintexas.gov/page/get-food-handler-training-and-food-manager-certificate

Austin Texas Gov. Food Personnel Requirements. https://www.austintexas.gov/department/food-personnel-requirements

Texas Health and Human Services. Accredited Food Handler Classroom Training Programs. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/licensing-food-handler-training-programs/accredited-food-handler-classroom-training-programs

Texas Health and Human Services. Licensing of Food Handler Training Programs https://www.dshs.texas.gov/licensing-food-handler-training-programs

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