The Food Handler Education or Training Program (FHP) 229.178 is based on Senate Bill (SB) 552 of the 80th Legislature (2007), regarding the accreditation of basic food safety education or training programs for food handlers.

This rule is intended to provide the framework for the accrediting food safety education or training programs for food handlers. A uniform standard governing the accreditation of food handler programs enhances the recognition of reciprocity among regulatory agencies and reduces the expense of duplicate education incurred when food handlers work in multiple regulatory jurisdictions. Education of the food handlers provides more qualified employees, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks caused by improper food preparation and handling techniques.

The Texas Department of State Health Services, Food Handler Program, along with the Certified Food Manager Program, is dedicated to the health and safety of the citizens of the state, educating food service employees in the principles of food safety to produce safe food products for Texas consumers.

#62