How to Get a Food and Drink Handling License


Siddharth RaiSiddharth Rai4/12/2022

What is food and drink handling license ?

Every year millions of people suffer from food poisoning. These are often caused by bacteria like E.coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio. The bacteria get into the food when there's a problem with the handling of that food. Any time you come in contact with food and drink, you have a risk of getting something like food poisoning. This is why it's important to know how to handle food safely. A food and drink handling license will teach you how to avoid getting sick when working with food. This can be anything from working in a fast food restaurant to being a manager at a grocery store or a cafe. Working with food and drinks is a risk, so it's important to be aware of how to handle it.


What is a Food and Drink Handling License?

A food and drink handling license is required to prepare, package, transport, or serve any type of food. This includes packaged goods and raw ingredients that are being served in a restaurant. A food handler training course needs to be completed before you apply for a food and drink handling license with your county health department. You will also need to pass an exam at the end of the course and present a certificate of completion. The steps for obtaining a food and drink handling license are as follows- 1) Attend a Food Handler Training Course 2) Pass an Exam at the End of The Course 3) Present a Certificate of Completion


Where to Apply for a Food and Drink Handling License

When you're ready to apply for a food and drink handling license, you will need to contact your local government office. They will be able to tell you who is the appropriate board or organization that handles licenses. You will also need to complete an application form and submit it with the required fee, any other documentation they may ask for, and provide them with a list of establishments where you intend to handle food.


In-Person Application

The quickest and easiest way to obtain a food license is in person. You'll need to visit your state's regulatory agency website and download the application form. Fill it out, then head to your state's regulatory agency office with the appropriate documentation and fees. You'll want to bring a few things with you- Proof of a physical address (you don't need an actual address, just a PO Box will do) Proof of identification (you'll need two forms of ID) A check for applicable fees You'll also have to fill out some paperwork when you go in, which will include the details about your business such as what type of food or drink you plan on handling and what type of establishment you are.


Apply Online

You can apply for your food and drink handling license online. All you need is your social security number, date of birth, and contact information. You'll also need to upload a copy of your driver's license (or other state ID), or a passport. Once you've submitted these documents and provided payment, you should receive your license in the mail within five days. The application fee is only $150.


Find Out If You're Eligible for a License

In order to obtain a license, you must take a course and pass an exam. You can find out if you're eligible for a license by going through the requirements here.


Make an Outreach Effort to Get a License

The first step to getting a food and drink handling license is contacting the local health department. Once you've got your contact situated, it's time to make an outreach effort. This means going into your local government offices and asking for a food and drink handling license. You'll need to provide certain information about your business that will be used in the application process. Some of this information will include how long you've been in operation, what type of food you serve, the size of your establishment, and more. Once you submit the necessary paperwork, you should get an answer within four weeks. If not, contact the health department again to inquire as to why they haven't responded yet. It could be that there are some kinks in your application or they simply haven't had time to process it yet. Either way, don't forgot to follow up!


Apply for a License

In order to obtain a food and drink handling license, you will need to fill out the application form from your area's local council. Once you've filled out the form and submitted it, your application will be assessed. You will then either be granted permission to handle food or you won't.


Conclusion

A food and drink handling license is the first step towards your business going live. It not only protects your customers from potential harm, it also gives you the opportunity to start your business. If you're wondering how to get a food and drink handling license, join this webinar for a step-by-step process on how to get licensed and what to expect when you do.