IL HB1546

Beginning July 1, 2014, individuals seeking food service sanitation manager or instructor certificates must complete a minimum of 8 hours of Department-approved training inclusive of examination and score at least 75% on the exam.

Department shall only accept training and exams accredited under Conference for Food Protection standards; out-of-state certificates meeting these standards qualify for Illinois reciprocity with a $35 fee, limited to individuals who moved to Illinois within the prior 6 months and can apply only once.

All food handlers (except those with sanitation manager certificates) must receive Department-approved training in safe food handling principles within 30 days of employment, covering topics including time-temperature relationships, personal hygiene, contamination prevention, equipment sanitization, and temperature control.

Food handler training is designated as an exclusive state function; local programs are prohibited and this preempts home rule authority, with training modules automatically approved if Department does not respond within 90 days and must cost no more than $15 per employee.

Food handler training provisions begin July 1, 2016, with enforcement limited to education and notification only through December 31, 2016.