Ever heard of the Oklahoma food handlers permit? If so, that’s probably because you have food working experience. If not, well… you’ve come to the right place.
For those new to the industry, the Oklahoma food handlers permit is a certificate awarded to someone – usually a restaurant employee – once they have successfully passed a food safety course.
Sounds pretty straight forward, right? Well, think again.
Although the Oklahoma food handlers permit is a simple concept, the process of getting one isn’t… and it can often be quite the headache unfortunately.
If there’s any info found online about the Oklahoma food handlers permit, it’s difficult to find. After a quick google browse, you’ll see deceiving online food handler courses, old and outdated government websites, and as always – a hefty batch of advertisements.
Because of this, we decided to get our hands a little dirty and do the digging so you don’t have to.
On this post, you’ll find information on all things Oklahoma food handlers permit. This includes state and county requirements, answers to common questions, helpful links, tips, and other resources.
Enough of the intro. Let’s get right to it.
Card Requirements
Oklahoma does NOT REQUIRE common food handlers at state-registered food establishments to receive an Oklahoma food handlers permit. Despite many states across the nation having this requirement, Oklahoma’s food safety regulations aren’t nearly as strict.
IMPORTANT: Here’s where most of the confusion lies though. Although the state does not requireme food handler permits, counties and cities, on the other hand, have the right to enforce their own food safety rules and regulations – which override the state mandates.
The ONLY Oklahoma cities that require food handler permits for typical food workers are Moore and Norman. Both cities are located in Cleveland county, Oklahoma. And more details on each food handler process as well as specifics are found below. 👇👇
The ONLY food handlers requirement you may have to worry about, made by the state of Oklahoma, is primarily for food establishment supervisors and managers.
You see (and this goes for just about every state in the US), at least one person with a Food Managers Card MUST be present, at the food facility, at all times.
This state-wide law ensures that every food-facility in the state of Oklahoma has a supervisor and/or manager that is qualified in food safety practices… has an advanced knowledge of food handling procedures… and can generally guide other restaurant employees to follow suit.
Oklahoma Food Handler Permit Summary
We just covered a lot, so here’s a condensed version of what we just explained, people.
- Your typical kitchen employee (server, line cooks, food prep, bussers, dishwashers, etc.) does NOT need to receive an Oklahoma food handlers permit – unless you are working for a restaurant within the city-limits of Norman or Moore.
- Most supervisory positions (head chefs, kitchen/restaurant managers) in the state will have to get a state-approved Oklahoma food managers card. (Ask your owner or supervisor on where to take the course)
- Someone with a Food Managers card must be present, at the food facility, at all times.
Norman and Moore Food Handlers Cards
All food workers in the cities of Norman and Moore, Oklahoma MUST obtain a food handlers card. This means you must successfully pass a county-approved food safety course.
New employees who handle unpackaged foods in the cities of Norman and Moore must get certified within 30 days of their hire date.
The cities only provide courses offline, in a classroom environment. Unfortunately, there is no online course option.
Both Norman and Moore food handler cards only cost $5. That cost is substantially lower than most states and counties we’ve covered.
The Class itself will consist of a short PowerPoint presentation, discussion, and written test. After the course and training portion, you will then have to take a test.
A passing grade of 76% is required in order to receive the card. Successful applicants will receive their card at the end of testing.
Class times, locations, and finer details are provided here. Furthermore, here’s a helpful FAQ we found, just in case you have more questions.
Oklahoma Food Handler Permit Benefits
So what if you’re not a supervisor or manager… or not located in Moore or Norman… is it still worth getting a food handlers card?
Of course!
Despite no state mandate that requires typical food workers or kitchen employees (line cook, food prep, servers, food runners) to receive a Oklahoma food handlers card, it may still be in your best interest to become certified.
As a food worker who is on the hunt for a job, anything you can do to strengthen your resume is worth it.
By becoming certified in the safe handling of food with a food handlers license, you are proving to your future employer that you are serious about the food and drink industry and are someone that they should give a chance to.