Food Service Certifications

Get the Training You Need to Keep Food Safe

All commercial food establishments and restaurants in McLean County, Illinois, are required to employ a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) and certified Food Handlers. Holders of the Certified Food Protection Manager certification are not required to have the additional Food Handler Certification.

What is a Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate?

This certification is designed to prepare your Food Service Manager to safely handle, produce, package and store products intended for sale to the public. Your Food Service Manager will be required to pass an accredited Food Protection Manager Certification Exam. You can find more details on the Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification website. It is hosted by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
List of McLean County providers

What is a Food Handler Training Certification?

Food Handler Training Certification is a new requirement. A food handler is defined in the Illinois Food Code as, "an individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces." More information about how to earn this certificate can be found on our Food Handler Training Certification page.

Be aware that all employees who handle food in these establishments must become certified Food Handlers.

What is Allergen Awareness Training?

Allergen Awareness Training certification is a new requirement. This certification is designed to address food allergens in a food service environment. The training will provide management with information on best practices for safely serving guests with food allergies. An allergen awareness training program that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is required.

The Certified Food Protection Managers that work at restaurants categorized as a Category I (High Risk) establishment by the health department are required to have this training. This training is required in addition to any allergen training the Certified Food Protection Manager received during the coursework to receive their Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.

A restaurant is defined as any business that is primarily engaged in the sale of ready-to-eat food for immediate consumption.

The definition of "Restaurant" does not include: grocery stores, convenience stores, daycares, schools, assisted living or long-term care facilities.

The following links provide access to accredited Allergen Training courses and more information on the allergen training requirement.