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How Utah DHHS Epidemiology Influences Food Handler Training

September 15, 2025
How Utah DHHS Epidemiology Influences Food Handler Training
Utah Food Handlers Category Blog

Intuitively, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services has a strong influence on food handler training throughout the state. In fact, the DHHS plays a pivotal role when it comes to shaping or influencing food handler training in Utah. By integrating data along with public health insights and awareness, the DHHS helps to implement smart and practical food safety training that helps food servers to better understand emerging health threats in the industry and how to prevent those threats from becoming a reality. 

UTAH DHHS Epidemiology Leads the Way

Even trained food handlers want to know that their food is being safely prepared for them when they dine out. Diners don’t want to have to worry about food handling, preparation or anything concerning food safety. While the expectation of food safety is a given, there is still the potential for mishandling if staff is not prepared and educated on the topic that can lead to troubling consequences.

That’s why epidemiologists at DHHS keep track of all possible foodborne illness trends. They are able to identify and track potential risk factors when it comes to the proper handling, preparing and preservation of food served in the public domain. It’s because of this due diligence that the DHHS is able to introduce and implement important training criteria for those who are tasked with handling and preparing the food you order and consume. 

The Utah DHHS epidemiology data is also shared with local health departments to help enforce sanitation standards across the board. As a result, potential health risks are drastically minimized. 

What are the State Requirements for Food Handler Training?

Because of the influence Utah DHHS epidemiology has when it comes to public safety, the Utah administrative code for food handler training capably details a number of approved programs for those seeking their food handler certifications. If you are new to the industry and need to be certified then you must pass a thorough training program before receiving your Utah food handler certification

What kind of training can you expect? According to state code, those seeking certification must be trained in time and temperature control for food safety, proper handwashing and personal sanitation, how to prevent cross-contamination, recognizing food allergens and post food prep clean up for all preparation spaces. While these mostly seem like common sense issues, this training is vital when it comes to the assurance of public safety.

Is Food Handler Training Effective?

Because of the food handler training requirement, the state of Utah is able to track improvements by way of epidemiological data. According to the DHHS Food Safety Program, the number of food handlers trained in Utah has almost doubled in the past 10 years while the number of food safety enforcement actions has lessened. With continued updates to the food handler training programs, Utah DHHS epidemiology is able to protect consumers from needless food-related illnesses.   

Are you ready for your Utah Food Handlers Certification? American Course Academy offers state-approved training materials in both English and Spanish. In most cases, you can complete your training and receive your certificate in a single day on your Wi-fi-enabled device. Click here to enroll today!

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