Who needs a food handlers card in Alabama?
Alabama employees only need to obtain a food handler card if they work in Jefferson County or Mobile County. Workers in these counties who prepare or serve food must obtain a food handler license.
This requirement applies to hosts, servers, bussers, kitchen staff, bartenders and any other employees whose job duties require being in food preparation, service, storage or warewashing areas.
Alabama food handler card requirements do not apply to certified food safety managers who oversee food handlers. Every food service business must have at least one certified food protection manager in Alabama. You’ll need to get this certification if you don’t have any employees.
Ensuring that your employees have the proper certifications is important for complying with Alabama law as well as protecting your business. When employees are trained in proper food preparation and handling techniques, foodborne illness is less likely.
Even if certification is not required in your Alabama county, you may decide to have your workers get food handler licenses as an employment requirement.
How to get an Alabama food handlers card
The location of your business determines what process your employees must follow to get a food handler card. Alabama workers in Jefferson County and Mobile County must get this certification through one of the approved training options. Those in other counties may use any training provider they choose.
How to get a Jefferson County food handlers card
There are three ways to get a food handler card in Jefferson county:
- Take an in-person food handler training course at the Jefferson County Department of Health in Birmingham.
- Take the online Food Handler Course available through StateFoodSafety.
- Be trained on the job by a certified food safety manager.
How to get a Mobile County food handlers card
In Mobile County, food handlers must complete their training online through StateFoodSafety.
Jefferson County and Mobile County food handler certification courses take about 75 minutes to complete. For online courses, cards are issued after the training is completed successfully.
After successfully completing a training course, Alabama workers will receive a food handler card in person, electronically or by mail. The employer is responsible for keeping a copy of each employee’s food handler card onsite.
In Jefferson County, food handler cards are valid for two years. Mobile County food handler cards are valid for one year. Employees must retake the training course to renew their certification.
Insurance for Alabama restaurants, caterers, cafes and food service
The right Alabama business insurance can help protect your business against the different risks you face daily. Many business owners in Alabama consider a combination of these coverage options:
General liability insurance
Alabama general liability insurance can help provide coverage if you are held responsible for accidents involving property damage or an injury to someone other than you or an employee.
Food service general liability insurance can also include coverage specific to restaurants. For example, foodborne illness coverage can help protect your business if customers get sick from contaminated food.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Alabama workers’ compensation insurance can help provide important coverage for workplace injuries. Businesses in Alabama with five or more employees must have workers’ compensation coverage.
Commercial property insurance
Commercial property insurance can help pay for repairs or replacements if certain types of business assets are damaged due to a covered event, such as a fire or water damage from a burst pipe. Examples of covered property may include equipment, inventory, furniture and commercial buildings.
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance can help pay for costs such as property damage and medical expenses if you or an employee are involved in an accident while driving for work.
In Alabama, all commercial vehicles must have a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
How much does an Alabama food handlers card cost?
The cost varies to become a certified food handler. Alabama workers in Jefferson County must pay $15 for an in-person class at the Department of Health or $20 for an online class. On-the-job training from a certified food safety manager is free.
Mobile County workers must pay $23 to complete their food handler certification online.
Employers are not required to cover the cost of Alabama food handler certification for their employees.
Alabama food handler certification reciprocity
Food handler cards are recognized throughout the county in which they are issued.
In Jefferson County, employees trained on the job can only transfer their certification to food service establishments with a certified food safety manager on duty at all times.
How NEXT helps support Alabama restaurants and food business owners
NEXT has tailored Alabama restaurant insurance for small businesses and self-employed business owners.
It only takes about 10 minutes to get a quote, review your coverage options, choose your policies and download a certificate of insurance.
Our team of licensed insurance advisors is standing by to assist you if you have any questions along the way.
Start a free quote with NEXT.
