For Food Workers
Food Handlers
To ensure that food is handled appropriately for the safety of the public, Salt Lake County Health Department requires all individuals preparing, serving, or handling food in or around a food service establishment or mobile food unit (whether the individuals are compensated or not) to receive adequate food service training, either as a certified food handler or as a certified food safety manager (see next tab).
Food handler cards are awarded after attending a food handler training class approved by the Utah Department of Health.
- Arrive 15 minutes early to register
- Photo ID is required to register
- Cost is $30
- Class is 90 minutes
- Classes begin on time, and late arrivals will not be admitted
- Children are not allowed—no exceptions
- Cards are valid for 3 years from the date of issue
Online Classes
The State of Utah offers online food handler training through approved vendors only. There are many online outlets claiming to offer Utah-approved food handler training, but we can only accept food handler cards issued by vendors approved by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
For online vendors currently approved in Utah, see PAGE THREE of this PDF, which is maintained by the State of Utah and not by Salt Lake County Health Department.
Replacement Cards
Replacement food handler cards are $15.
To request a replacement card, or if your card never arrived, complete this online form.
Becoming a Food Handler Trainer
Food Safety Managers
At least one full-time certified food safety manager must be employed at every* food service establishment and mobile food unit in Salt Lake County.
When replacing a departing certified food safety manager, the establishment has sixty (60) days to employ a new certified food safety manager.
Certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of issue, unless revoked or suspended by the Salt Lake County Health Department.
To qualify as a certified food safety manager:
- Complete an approved training course and pass its IN-PERSON exam (list of courses from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services).
- Register with the health department as a certified food safety manager by completing this Registration Form. USE ONLY THE FREE ADOBE ACROBAT READER TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR FORM. Some web browser PDF viewers may not properly submit your form.
Food Safety Manager Certification Courses
The State of Utah determines whether or not a training course is approved in the state. Courses are generally eight (8) hours. Visit the Utah Department of Health for a list of approved courses and examinations in Utah.
*Exemptions
The following establishment types do not require a certified food safety manager:
- Risk level one (1) establishments
- Day care facilities
- Health care facilities
Helpful Materials
The following materials may be helpful in meeting the food safety requirements of the health department. This information addresses some of the most commonly identified problems and critical violations.
Hand Washing Information
Learn how to:
Contact the Food Protection Bureau to request FREE hand washing signs for your public and employee restrooms, or download and print your own.
Links