Blog / February 16, 2024 / Jeff Stumpf / UPDATED March 6, 2024

Tips on Securing a Food Handlers License in San Antonio

Ready to grow your restaurant business in San Antonio? 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 license.

Obtaining a food handler’s permit in San Antonio, Texas, involves completing an approved training course, passing an exam, and receiving a certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited course. The certificate must then be displayed in a conspicuous location within the food establishment. The training course must be completed within 30 days of getting a job and covers food safety topics such as good hygiene practices and how to avoid cross-contamination.

Here are a few simple steps to get started with food handlers license in San Antonio:

1. Complete an Approved Training Course

Purpose: This course provides the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely and is a requirement for obtaining a food handler’s permit.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the course provider.
Instructions: Search for an approved training course either through the Texas Department of State Health Services or a course accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). You can find these courses online at DSHS Accredited Food Handler Classroom Training Programs.

2. Pass the Exam

Purpose: The exam tests your understanding of the material covered in the training course and is a requirement for obtaining a food handler’s permit.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the course provider.
Instructions: After completing the training course, you will need to pass the exam. The specifics of the exam, including format and passing score, will depend on the course provider.

3. Receive Your Certificate

Purpose: The certificate serves as your food handler’s permit and must be displayed in a conspicuous location within the food establishment.
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on the course provider.
Instructions: After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from DSHS or an ANSI accredited course.

4. Display Your Certificate

Purpose: Displaying your certificate in a conspicuous location within the food establishment is a requirement for maintaining a food handler’s permit.
Estimated Cost: No cost.
Instructions: Once you receive your certificate, display it in a conspicuous location within the food establishment.

Useful Information Source Links:

FAQs

What Topics are Covered in the Food Handler Training Course?

The training course covers food safety topics including good hygiene practices, how to avoid cross-contamination, and more.

How Long Do I Have to Complete the Training Course After Getting the Job?

You need to complete the training course within 30 days of getting a job.

Where Can I Find an Approved Training Course?

You can find approved training courses online at DSHS Accredited Food Handler Classroom Training Programs or a course accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

What Do I Do After Passing the Exam?

After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from DSHS or an ANSI accredited course. This certificate serves as your food handler’s permit and must be displayed in a conspicuous location within the food establishment.

Who Can I Contact if I Have Additional Questions?

If you have additional questions, you can contact the Food Licensing Group via email at foodslicensinggroup@dshs.texas.gov or by phone at 512-834-6727.

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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:

ANSI. Certificate Accreditation Program. https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/certificate-issuers/AllDirectoryListing?prgID=265&statusID=4

ANSI. ACE Food Handler. https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/certificate-issuers/AllDirectoryDetails?&prgID=265&OrgId=2240&statusID=4

ANSI. 1 AAA Food Handler. https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/certificate-issuers/AllDirectoryDetails?&prgID=265&OrgId=72355&statusID=4

City of San Antonio. Food Manager & Handler Registration. https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SAMHD/Licenses-Food-Permits/Food-Manager-Handler

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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