Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Health Department - Health Inspections - Owners & Managers FAQs - Restaurant Inspections - Certified Food Handler
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Health Department - Health Inspections - Owners & Managers FAQs - Restaurant Inspections - Certified Food Handler
Employees of a restaurant who cook, sell, and/or serve food are required to obtain a food handler certificate. Individuals who wish to become a CFH must pass a food safety certification exam that has been approved by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) that addresses the knowledge, skills, and abilities in basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature, and cleaning and sanitation to maintain a safe and sanitary food establishment. Exams are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, Italian, and Arabic.
Currently, the three CFP-approved food safety programs are as follows:
Upon passing the food safety certification exam, CFHs are issued a certificate that must be displayed inside the restaurant or other pertinent retail food establishment where it is available and accessible to the consumers and Public Health Inspectors upon review/inspection. The Food Handler Certificate must be maintained and renewed upon expiration every three years.
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Health Department - Health Inspections - Owners & Managers FAQs - Restaurant Inspections - Certified Food Handler
New Jersey requires each worker in the food service industry to possess a food handler's license before handling and preparing food. A food handler's license demonstrates that the individual in question possesses proper knowledge of how to prevent food contamination and, accordingly, how to reduce food-borne illnesses.
Please note: If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact Health Inspector Priscilla Lewis at 201-871-6510 or Jennifer Galarza at 201-871-6514. In case neither Health Inspector is available, please contact Mr. James M. Fedorko, Health Officer, at 201-871-6501.