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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice issued 12/12/14

Food Handler Training

​To: All Long Term Care Facilities – Nursing facilities (NF), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), and Supportive Living Program (SLP) facilities​
Date:​ ​December 12, 2014
​Re: Food Handler Training​

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Public Act 98-0566, this Notice informs all food handlers employed in a non-restaurant, such as long term care facilities, that they must receive or obtain training in basic food handling principles by July 1, 2016. Someone holding an Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC) is exempt from the food handler training requirement.

 

Food handlers working in long term care facilities can take any food handler training course that has been registered and approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). A list of accredited Food Handler Training Certificate Programs and additional information regarding IDPH Food Handler Training are available on the IDPH website.

An employer is not responsible for paying for food handler training, since it is the property of the certificate holder. Non-restaurants, such as long term care facilities, can choose to create their own training programs and submit to the Department for approval. The IDPH Food Handler Training Program Application/Registration Form (pdf) and instructions can be found on the IDPH website.

 

A food handler means an individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces. It does not include unpaid volunteers.

 

  • New employees must receive training within 30 days after employment.
  • This training must be renewed every three years.
  • Training is not transferable between individuals or employers if it is an internal training program.
  • Approved training programs can be taken by on-line, computer, classroom, in-person trainers, or remote trainers.
  • Proof of training must be available in the facility upon inspector request.

If you have questions regarding this process, please contact your local Health Department or email dph.fssmc@illinois.gov.

James M. Parker, Acting Administrator
Division of Medical Programs