How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Alabama?

To obtain a food handler's permit in the state of Alabama, you need to apply through your local county’s health department or the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. This process involves filling out an application form, paying a fee, and in some cases, completing a training course or certification program. The specific requirements may vary depending on your county and type of food establishment.

1. Application for Food Safety Permit

• Purpose: This is the primary document required to apply for a food handlers permit in Alabama. It is necessary to operate a food establishment legally.
• Estimated Cost: The permit fee is $50.00. If the application is postmarked after July 31st, a 15% penalty of $7.50 is added, making the total permit fee $57.50 for each business location.
• Instructions: Fill out the “Application for Food Safety Permit” form with details such as the date, store ID, store type, store name, the store’s physical and mailing addresses, city, state, zip code, and phone number, store email address, and the name of the person to whom the application should be addressed. The applicant must agree to comply with the Alabama Safe Foods Act and all rules and regulations provided thereunder. Payments are accepted via check or money order only, made payable to the Alabama Department of Agriculture / Food Safety. The application form can be found at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries website.

2. Food Handler Training Course

• Purpose: This is a requirement in some counties, such as Jefferson County, to ensure that food handlers have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of online Food Handler Training is $20.00. Some organizations, like the Jefferson County Department of Health, offer their Food Handler Training Courses for $15.00 per participant.
• Instructions: You can either take the Food Handler Training Course from your local County Department of Health, take an online Food Handler Course, or be trained by a Certified Food Safety Manager and thereafter work only at establishments where there is a Certified Food Safety Manager on duty at all times. Online Food Handler Training is available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese. New employees must be certified within 21 days of their hire date.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries' Food Safety page
• Jefferson County Department of Health Food Handler Training

FAQs

• What is the cost of a food handler's permit in Alabama? The permit fee is $50.00. If the application is postmarked after July 31st, a 15% penalty of $7.50 is added, making the total permit fee $57.50 for each business location.
• Do I need to take a training course to get a food handler's permit in Alabama? In some counties, such as Jefferson County, you need to take a Food Handler Training Course or be trained by a Certified Food Safety Manager.
• Where can I find the application form for a food handler's permit in Alabama? The “Application for Food Safety Permit” form can be found on the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries' Food Safety page. You can access it directly through this link.
• What information do I need to provide in the application form for a food handlers permit in Alabama? You need to provide details such as the date, store ID, store type, store name, the store’s physical and mailing addresses, including city, state, zip code, and phone number, store email address, and the name of the person to whom the application should be addressed.

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