TENNESSEE
FOOD HANDLERS CARD

To get certified, you must complete the online course accredited by the ANAB and pass the final exam with a 70% or higher score. Upon passing, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate of completion.

Food Handler Certificate training teaches essential food safety practices, including hand hygiene, preventing cross-contamination, time and temperature control, and proper cleaning procedures.

Your certificate is recognized statewide, including in significant counties like Shelby, Davidson, and Knox.

This Tennessee Food Handlers Card course takes approximately 1.5 hours and is affordable at $6.95. Discounts are available for businesses training multiple staff.

You’ll have two chances to take the 40-question final exam. If you don’t pass the first time, you can review the material and try again.

Anyone working directly with food, such as restaurant staff, cafeteria workers, and food truck operators, should take this course to meet food safety standards.

The Food Handler program is fully accredited, interactive, and includes a satisfaction guarantee and tools for employers to monitor employee success.

Managers can access a tracking dashboard to assign courses, monitor progress, and download reports on employee completion.

Being certified shows you understand food safety principles, making you a more reliable and competitive candidate in the food service industry.

Proper handwashing is the most effective method to prevent poor food safety. Hands can become contaminated through contact with unsanitized surfaces, raw foods, or even by touching one’s face. Regular and thorough handwashing minimizes the risk of transferring pathogens to food and food-contact surfaces.

Yes, here are several effective practices:

• Purchase food from reputable, approved sources.
• Cook foods to their recommended internal temperatures.
• Store foods at appropriate temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
• Use clean and sanitized equipment and utensils.
• Maintain good personal hygiene and avoid handling ready-to-eat foods with bare hands

You can sell non-TCS (non-temperature control for safety) foods, such as baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, dry mixes, roasted coffee beans, honey, granola, and certain canned fruits and vegetables. Foods that require refrigeration, like meat and dairy, are not allowed.

For official food safety guidance in Tennessee, reach out to:
Tennessee Department of Health, General Environmental Health
710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee 37243

Under Tennessee’s Homemade Food Act, food safety training is not required if you’re selling non-potentially hazardous foods directly to consumers. However, completing a Food Handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited provider like AAA Food Handler is strongly recommended. It helps ensure you’re following safe food handling practices and builds customer confidence in your products. Check with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for full details.