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Training helps reduce or eliminate food safety hazards before they become major issues.
Reducing food safety complaints will create a happier workplace and in turn increase productivity.
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
The Iowa Food Handlers Card is a 100% online course that teaches essential food safety principles like hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, temperature control, and proper cleaning practices. The course takes about 1.5 hours and is available in English and Spanish.
Anyone who handles unpackaged food, food-contact equipment, utensils, or surfaces in a food service setting, including restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, and grocery stores, can benefit from the Food Handler Course.
The Iowa Food Handler course costs only $6.95, making it one of the state’s most affordable ways to meet food safety training needs.
The Food Handler Course is 100% online, accessible 24/7 on any device. You can take it at your own pace, whenever it fits your schedule best.
Yes. The Iowa Food Handler course is approved and accredited to meet state standards. It’s valid for use in all counties across Iowa.
The Food Handler Course is available in English and Spanish, so learners can choose the language that suits them best.
Certificates typically remain valid for 3 years. Check with your employer or local health authority for specific expiration or renewal requirements.
A Food Handler Card qualifies you for roles like prep cook, server, dishwasher, deli worker, grocery clerk, food truck staff, and more—any position where food safety knowledge is essential.
Iowa permits the sale of non-potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods that don’t need refrigeration. Examples include baked goods without cream fillings, fruit jams and jellies, candies, dry mixes, granola, popcorn, and other products safely stored at room temperature.
Completing food handler training shows employers you’re serious about food safety. It can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs and help you prevent foodborne illness in the workplace.
Yes. Group purchasing options with bulk discounts are available. You can assign the course to employees, monitor their progress, and ensure food safety compliance across your team.
In Iowa, ANAB recognition is essential for Food Protection Manager Certification programs to ensure compliance with state regulations and national food safety standards.
Yes. The Iowa food handler certificate course follows the 2022 FDA Food Code to ensure you learn current food safety best practices recognized at both the state and federal levels.
For official food safety guidance in Iowa, contact the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.
No, if you’re selling only non-potentially hazardous foods under Iowa’s Cottage Food Law, food safety training is not required. However, completing a Food Handler certificate from an ANSI Accredited provider is strongly recommended to ensure safe food handling practices and enhance consumer confidence.
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
I really enjoyed my time with this course as it had good images, and interactive features where I was not only learning but also involved in the process.
This course was quick and taught me a lot about food handling.
We’ll explain, learn fast
At first, I found the multi module model annoying. But then I realized it was very helpful if I wanted to go back to a previous module to review information.
I found the text difficult to read on my smart phone, which is the only way I access the Internet. Even with my glasses on, I strained to see the text.
All but a few modules were single step. Meaning, once the speaker was finished, I could click “next” to get to the next module. However, a few modules were two step. Meaning I had to click something within the module to continue. But, being that such a step happened maybe 2 or 3 times, I would click next only to find the next module locked. The first time it happened, I panicked. I couldn’t figure out what I failed to do as there was no voice direction, and the “continue” button, which should have been large and prominent, was small and hard to see due to the faded coloration of the text.
The Congratulations module, though nice, was unnecessary and shouldn’t have been a block to skipping on to the final exam without listening until the very end. But it was. I found that annoying.
It was great