Okay, New Mexico food handlers . . . You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers! With help from the New Mexico Environment Department, we found out what it is you want to know most regarding food handler requirements. We’ve done the translating to layman’s terms and we think you’ll want to see this. Here are a few things you should know about food handler training in New Mexico and how it applies to you.
- What is food handler training and what is a New Mexico food handler card?
The State of New Mexico Environment Department, Environmental Health Bureau requires that all food employees complete an accredited training and obtain a food handler card. Simply put, food handler training is instruction for anyone who would like to become a food handler. A food handler card is a document used to prove that a food worker has been trained to provide safe food service. You may obtain your card after you have taken an accredited food handler training and passed an assessment. Your New Mexico food handler card allows you to be a food handler in the state of New Mexico. - Why is food handler training required in New Mexico?
Every step towards educating food handlers is a step away from preventable foodborne illness outbreaks. After completing food handler training, food employees are more qualified in their food preparation and handling. The New Mexico Environment Department has made food handler training a requirement because food safety is a requirement… and we support any effort to preserve food safety! - Who needs to obtain a New Mexico food handler card?
As of March 1, 2016, food handler training became more than just a suggestion—it is a requirement for all food employees. According to the New Mexico Food Code, all food employees must complete an accredited training, pass an assessment, and obtain a food handlers card. Basically, if you work with food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces in the state of New Mexico, you need to obtain a New Mexico food handler card. - Who is considered a food handler in New Mexico?
A food handler is a person who handles, prepares, serves, sells, or gives away food for human consumption. Don’t let the position title confuse you—a food handler could also be someone who buses tables or washes dishes. Sometimes food handlers are referred to as food employees or food workers. It is the responsibility of a food handler to ensure that food is kept safe from the hazards it can encounter at every level of its preparation. - Who is exempt from New Mexico food handler training?
According to the New Mexico Environment Department, certain groups are exempt from the food handler training requirement including food handlers who work in Albuquerque County, Bernalillo County, or on Indian lands.Certified Food Protection Managers and employees who do not function as food employees (i.e. hosts or cashiers) are also exempt. Additionally, the following groups are exempt from training as long as they are supervised by someone who is a Certified Food Protection Manager:
-Food employees of temporary food establishments
-Food employees or volunteers working as food employees for charitable organizations serving the needy - Where can I get a food handler card?
The StateFoodSafety.com New Mexico Food Handler Card Training course can be taken online at your own pace and convenience. When you complete the StateFoodSafety.com New Mexico Food Handler Card Training, you receive a food handler card, which you may then print. StateFoodSafety.com is an approved provider for food handler training in New Mexico, accredited by both the New Mexico Environment Department, Environmental Health Bureau and by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). In other words, you can trust us to provide you with the high-quality training you need! - When do I need to have a New Mexico food handler card and how long is it valid?
Under the New Mexico Retail Food Field Guide, food handler training must be complete within 30 days of starting work. Technically, all food employees currently working in the food service industry without a food handler card are given a grace period until March 1, 2017 to complete a food handler training course. The food handler card that you receive and print at the end of the StateFoodSafety.com food handler training will allow you to start work immediately. Food handler cards are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. - Where is my New Mexico food handler card valid?
When you take an accredited food handler training course, your New Mexico food handler card is accepted everywhere in the state of New Mexico. - How much does it cost to get my food handler card?
The StateFoodSafety.com online New Mexico Food Handler Card Training is $10. - Are courses available in any other language besides English?
You might be pleased to know that English is just one of the 8 languages available for the StateFoodSafety.com food handler training! Other language options include Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Serbo-Croatian, and American Sign Language.
There you have it—the top questions and answers regarding food handler training in New Mexico. Hopefully you have a better understanding of what is expected of you and what you can expect from an accredited training course. Purchase the StateFoodSafety.com New Mexico Food Handler Card Online Training by clicking “Begin Training”.
Need more information?
Read more about the updated New Mexico food handler requirements here. If you are in need of food safety training, purchase the StateFoodSafety.com New Mexico Food Handler Card Training.
