Kansas Food Handlers Card Requirements - Food Handlers Card Help 👩‍🍳

According to the current Kansas state Food Code, there is no Kansas food handlers card requirement for common restaurant employees.

But keep in mind, even though the state does NOT require Kansas food handler cards, local jurisdictions still have the right to pose their own food safety regulations.

The following Kansas counties/cities REQUIRE a Kansas food handlers card:

Leavenworth County, Kansas
Wichita City, Kansas

** For further food handling details and resources for each jurisdiction, please continue reading or refer to the sections below.

Important: Searching online for food handlers card requirements will lead to multiple sites claiming that you must have one in the state of Kansas, and that they have the test for you to take. What they don’t explain, is that it highly depends on which county or city you are in. Most of the websites are incorrect in their information and are trying to get you to pay for something that you may NOT necessarily need. Despite what you read, its always smart to double check with your local city/county for reassurance.

What is a Kansas food handlers card?

The Kansas food handlers card, also known as a food handlers permit or license, is a certificate proving to your employer and/or health inspector that you are qualified to handle unpackaged food products that are served to the general public.

The license is granted to those upon successful completion of a food safety course which usually last 2-3 years.

Who needs a Kansas food handlers card?

Depending on your local Kansas jurisdiction or management preference, food employees who prepare, store, or serve food in a food establishment may need a Kansas food handlers card. (i.e. line cooks, chefs, food preps, servers, etc.)

Wichita, Kansas Requirements

Food handler cards are NOT required anymore for anyone working or volunteering in a food service establishment in Wichita, Kansas.

This law actually pretty new…

“On September 18, 2018 the City Council voted to repeal the ordinance requiring food handler cards in Wichita. There is currently no citywide or statewide requirement for food handlers cards. However, please check with your employer or volunteer organization to find out if they have a training requirement.” Source

Leavenworth County, Kansas Requirements

By law, all food handlers are required to have a county-approved food handlers card in Leavenworth County. Everything you need to know about the Leavenworth county food handlers card can be found here.

Other Kansas Food Handling Requirements

Unlike the Kansas food handlers card, what Kansas does require, is that at least one person in an establishment receives a Food Manager’s Certificate.

The state of Kansas believes that if one person in a restaurant certifies as a Food Manager then they will be able to pass their knowledge of food safety on to the other employees in the restaurant.

So although you may not be required to receive a Kansas food handlers card or a food manager’s certificate, there are a few reasons why you still may want to be certified.

Kansas Food Managers Certification

Kansas requires licensed retail food facilities to have at least one certified food manager on staff. A Kansas Certified Food Manager is the person in charge when present and they must be accessible by phone, text, and email when not physically present during operation.

Kansas currently recognizes and accepts certification from the National ANSI Certified Food Manager programs.

The current approved list is below (in no particular order):

You can also find more information on Kansas Food Manager Certificates here or here.

Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:

Good Communication Skills
Being able to stand long periods of time
Knowledge of basic food safety