Owners, operators, managers and their restaurant bar consultant should take note of the new food handling law in California which goes into effect July 1, 2011. There are different issues to consider including its impact on food safety. Here are excerpts from the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and ServSafe® about the law and its requirements: SB 602 Overview “The California Food Handler Card law – SB 602 – is a landmark bill signed in 2010 that creates a statewide standard for safe food handling in California’s restaurants. The law ensures that food handlers gain and exhibit basic knowledge by passing a test. “The California Food Handler Card law is designed to ensure that restaurant employees receive a reasonable level of training in food safety practices to reduce the potential for food borne illness. Food handlers must have a California Food Handler Card by July 1.” Note: Hotel restaurant management members of the foodservice industry and their restaurant bar consultant can read more here about the food handling card and its requirements. Who Must Be Certified “A food handler is defined by the law as a person who is involved in the preparation, storage or service of food in a food facility.” Where and How to Get a Food Handler Card “A food handler card can be obtained from the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe California Food Handler Program for food safety training and test.” What is the Cost “The law stipulates that one training course must be available at no more than $15 to ensure affordability and prevent hardship on the food handler. If you are in need of a restaurant bar consultant who also provides training and proctoring for the food handlers card, please post a request or contact us directly. We’ll send you the latest CRA approved trainers and exam proctor list.
