I am a licensed food handler

by Stefania Butler, Posted Sep 24th 2005 @ 9:00AM

Recently I had to obtain an Oregon Food Handlers Certificate. I took an online course, then a test, and at the end of it printed my official Food Handler's card. The whole process took about an hour and it was a fascinating experience. I have worked in restaurants since I was 15, and catered parties on the down low, but until now, I never had to be official. (Luckily I am slightly OC when it comes to kitchen sanitation so as I far as I know I never killed anyone.) Now I know everything there is to know about the food "danger zone" (41º-140ºF), personal hygiene (long-haired folks need to rock a hair net), cleanliness and sanitation (only drinks with lids and straw permitted in the work place), and food temperatures (check the temperature of hot station food regularly, and stir to prevent cold spots). My daughter's preschool class can now rest assured that their apple slices and falafels are being prepared by an official food handler who knows what she is doing.

Filed Under: Did you know?
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