The Department of Health for the state of Indiana only requires a minimum of ONE person per facility to have an Indiana Food Handlers Card.
Currently, the state does not enforce all food handlers in the kitchen and/or restaurant to be certified.
Indiana’s food handlers card rule is statewide, meaning that all kitchens in all counties MUST have a certified food handler on site during operation.
It is important to keep in mind though, that some employers or restaurant managers will require all food handlers to complete training regardless of Indiana’s fairly lenient state laws.
What is the Indiana Food Handers Card?
The Indiana food handlers card is a certificate proving to both employers and public health inspectors alike that a person is qualified to handle unpackaged food products served to the general public.
Once a person or employee successfully passes a food safety course, they will then receive a certification. Most food handler licenses will typically last 2-3 years.
Who is considered a Food Handler in the state of Indiana?
“Food handler” means an individual who is an owner, an operator, a manager, or an employee of a food establishment; and is responsible for or oversees the storage, preparation, display, or serving of food to the public. Simply, if you touch food you are a food handler.
Are there any Indiana Food Handler restrictions?
There are no restrictions on someone receiving their Food Handler certification. If they are able to go through the course and pass the test, they can become certified.
⚠️ One last warning: Please be aware that many online food safety course providers claim that the state of Indiana requires food handler cards for EVERYONE. This is faulty information. Sure, the food handlers license may boost your resume while looking for a job… but remember, it’s not necessarily needed. And it highly depends on the restaurant or kitchen you’re working at. Whatever the case may be, it still may not be in your best interest paying for a course, so be weary of these online courses trying to sell you.
How to Get a Food Handlers Card in Indiana
- Pick an ANSI-accredited course by clicking here. All courses on this list are Indiana state-approved and are considered valid by all health inspectors statewide.
- After you choose your course, you will then have to pay a small fee ranging between $5-$10.
- Take the course/ training. (Online courses usually last only 2 hours)
- Pass the final examination. (Depending on which course you take, you will have to pass the final exam with a score of 70%-80% at minimum)
- Once you’ve successfully completed the test you’ll get a certificate from the online course provider.
- Print out multiple copies of your certification or save the file to your desktop at home. This is just a safety measure, just in case you lose you original Indiana food handlers card.
- Provide your employer with a copy of your certificate.
For more information on Indiana’s Food Safety jurisdictions, please click here to view a helpful powerpoint presentation, or simply visit the official site of Indiana’s Department of Health.
Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:
- Good Communication Skills
- Being able to stand long periods of time
- Knowledge of basic food safety
Cheers!