The Massachusetts Food Handler Card shows that you’ve completed food safety training and understand the basic workplace practices for handling food safely.

You’ll need to take an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) approved online Food Handler course, complete the training, and pass a 40-question final exam with a 70% or higher score. Once you pass, your card will be available to download and print immediately.

The course takes about 1.5 hours and is entirely self-paced. You can start, pause, and complete it whenever it works best for your schedule.

You’ll learn about safe food handling practices, proper hygiene, time and temperature controls, cross-contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, and how to help prevent foodborne illness.

No problem, you’ll have two attempts to pass the final exam.

Your Food Handler Card is typically accepted for 3 years, but you should check with your employer or local health department to confirm the specific renewal timeframe in your area.

The course is 100% online and available 24/7. You can complete it on your phone, tablet, or computer whenever and wherever convenient.

The Food Handler training is in English and Spanish to support various food workers across Massachusetts.

Maryland’s cottage food law permits the sale of non-hazardous, shelf-stable foods that don’t need refrigeration. Examples include baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, hard candies, snack mixes, and other items that pose minimal food safety risk when kept at room temperature.

The Food Handler Course is available in English and Spanish, making it accessible for various food service professionals.

Anyone who handles open food, food-contact surfaces, utensils, or equipment in a food service setting, including restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, and grocery stores, should complete this training.

The Massachusetts Food Handler training is available for just $6.95, including two attempts at the final exam.

Taking the Food Handler Course helps you develop the skills needed to maintain food safety on the job. It also shows potential employers that you’re prepared and serious about preventing health risks in the workplace.

In Massachusetts, individuals may sell non-potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods prepared in a residential kitchen. Permitted items include baked goods without perishable toppings or fillings, fruit preserves, candies, granola, spice blends, and other safe products to store at room temperature.

After completing the Food Handler Course, you’ll be better prepared for entry-level positions such as cook, prep cook, food server, barista, dishwasher, deli staff, or grocery associate in restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food trucks, and more.

For official food safety guidance in Massachusetts, contact:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Food Protection Program, 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts 02130

To sell homemade food in Massachusetts, you must get a permit from your local board of health and complete a Food Manager certificate like the AAA Food Handler Food Protection Manager Certification. You’ll also need to pass a kitchen inspection and follow local rules about labeling, sanitation, and allowed food types.