Environmental Public Health Division

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER TRAINING

A trained food manager must be on duty during the operating hours of the food establishment.  A food service establishment that handles only prepackaged food and does not prepare or package food is not required to have a trained food manager.   (The Rules for Regulation of Food Establishments in the Unincorporated Areas of Harris County)

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.

Training may be obtained through:

• Local health departments:
  
  1)  Houston Department of Health and Human Services
       (832) 393.5100  
  
  2)  Galveston County Health District
       (409) 938.2303  
  
  3)  Montgomery County Health Department
       (936) 539.7839  
  
  
• State approved certification courses and online certification courses.  For a list visit: www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/cfm.shtm#programs