Illinois Food Safety Course – Get Certified Online

Under Title 77, Part 750 of the Illinois Administrative Code, all food handlers—except Certified Food Protection Managers—are required to complete an approved food handler training course within the first 30 days of employment. After earning a food handler card, employees must provide a copy to their employer. Illinois law also requires employers to maintain proof of training for each employee, either as a printed copy or in electronic format, so it is available at all times.

Yes. Illinois requires a nationally accredited food manager certification through the ANAB. Employers should ensure their managers complete an exam that meets the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards.

You must complete food handler training to work as a food employee in Illinois, as outlined in Title 77, Part 750 of the Illinois Administrative Code. Beyond compliance, training plays a vital role in preventing foodborne illness. According to the CDC, Illinois reported 64 outbreaks in 2015, 42 in 2016, and 51 in 2017. By applying the food safety practices you learn in training, you can help reduce these numbers and protect both customers and coworkers.

Yes. Illinois accepts Food Protection Manager Certification earned through an ANAB Accredited program, which meets state and federal standards for food safety.

• Food Handlers: Entry-level staff who prepare or serve food; they complete basic food safety certification.
• Food Managers: Supervisory staff who must pass the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) exam through an ANAB – CFP accredited program.

AAA Food Handler provides both types of training, ensuring Illinois food businesses stay compliant.

If you complete a nationally accredited food manager certification through the ANAB, it is recognized in most states, including Illinois. However, alcohol and allergen training requirements may vary by state.

In Illinois, Food Protection Manager Certification is typically valid for five years. Renewal requires retaking the exam through an ANAB accredited program to ensure managers stay updated on the latest food safety practices.

While not always mandated by law, many Illinois restaurants and food businesses require food allergen training for staff. This training helps employees recognize common allergens and prevent cross-contact. AAA Food Handler provides allergen awareness training as part of its commitment to Illinois food safety.

For over a decade, AAA Food Handler has specialized in Food Handler, Food Manager, and Food Allergen courses nationwide. Their Illinois programs are designed to meet ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards and ensure compliance with state regulations.

In Illinois, food protection training and certification rules are outlined in the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625). The law requires food service establishments to have at least one certified food manager on duty at all times, or they may face penalties

The Act was amended by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to remove the requirement for the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC). Since January 1, 2018, food managers are no longer required to apply for an FSSMC—except within the city of Chicago, where local rules still apply.