R392-103-1. Purpose

  (1) This rule requires adherence to uniform statewide standards for training and testing food handlers, issuing food handler certificates and permits, and paying and receiving fees.

  (2) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified five risk factors associated with foodborne illness outbreaks. Four of the five risk factors result from improper handling of food by food handlers or poor personal hygiene of food handlers.

  (3) Proper application of the required training principles will empower food handlers to prevent and safeguard against foodborne illnesses. Testing of food handlers confirms that the food handler gained an understanding of correct food protection principles. A food handler permit that is recognized statewide provides a tool for local health officers to verify that food handlers have received state approved training and testing.

  (4) State and local monitoring of the food handler training, certificate, and permitting process is critical to promoting and protecting public health. Coordination between this process, the routine inspection of regulated facilities, and the investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks is necessary to respond quickly and effectively to identified and suspected risks to public health.