The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created the Food Code as a way of establishing a science-based approach to food safety regulations. The FDA Food Code serves the public by creating standards when it comes to food handling and preparation as well as how to properly store food to reduce the potential risk of illness. Since your food handler certificates are handled at the state level, it’s natural to wonder how the FDA Food Code shapes state food safety regulations.
The FDA Food Code and Your State
It should be noted that the FDA Food Code is not mandatory. It’s simply a guideline for states to go by when it comes to establishing their own food handling and preparation laws. Most states agree with and adopt the Food Code with minor variations according to how food is handled, stored or prepared in their own region.
Ensuring consistency from state-to-state helps to establish a proper framework and ideology when it comes to safe food sales and services. Every state accepts that the FDA Food Code is built on sound science and that it’s designed entirely for the safety of the public as well as the food server or service. This results in a comprehensive understanding as to how policy and regulations should be considered and then enforced from state to state.
The Secondary Roles of the FDA Food Code
The FDA Food Code is also prevalent when it comes to training new hires. These guidelines are enforced for those new to the food service industry. The idea is to leave an impression early on so that those new hires evolve into safety-minded food handlers and food servers.
New and old hires alike are also keenly aware of how the FDA Food Code plays into the health inspection process. Because the code is so widely accepted, this allows for a more standardized inspection process. This means that inspectors will be more aware of potential violations and corrective actions for non-compliance.
The FDA Food Code is Ever-Changing
Did you know that the Food Code changes every four years? The FDA does this, along with occasional supplements in between years, to keep up with current sanitation issues and further scientific understanding of foodservice operations. Each state is advised of those updates and adjusts accordingly.
Here at American Course Academy our food handling certifications are state-approved and the FDA Food Code is baked right into the training. If you’re in need of a new food handling certification or looking to renew your expiring certification then this is exactly where you need to be. ACA makes it both easy and affordable for you to acquire your food handling certification in both English and Spanish. In most cases, you can complete and print your new certificate in the same day from any Wi-Fi-enabled device such as a phone, tablet or PC. Are you ready to get busy in the food handling industry? A new certificate or renewal is just a click away.
