HCPHES Environmental Health Services Division Certification Requirements for Food Service Establishments

Environmental Public Health Division

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINING

Effective September 1, 2007, every commercial establishment or institution in unincorporated Harris County that is involved in food preparation and/or processing is required to have at least one trained manager during all hours of operation.

New establishments and establishments that undergo a change of ownership are expected to have a trained manager on duty during all hours of operation beginning on the first day of business. The trained manager should be an individual who has managerial or supervisory responsibilities. The purpose of the training is to insure that each establishment has an employee who is informed of proper food handling procedures and sanitation and is aware of Harris County's rules and regulations regarding food establishments.

Food Service Manager Training may be obtained by successfully completing an eight-hour course conducted by Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services. A training certificate is valid for a period of five years, at which time the course must be repeated. The course is offered free of charge.

Certification approved by the State of Texas Department of State Health Services as well as the certification offered by the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services is accepted. Other agencies' food manager certification courses are approved on a case-by-case basis. There are also several approved online courses available. For a list of state approved certification classes, visit http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/CFM.shtm.

For more information, please call Environmental Public Health at (713) 439-6270.

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Last updated: April 16, 2009
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
2223 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 439-6000
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