Illinois Operators Get A Boost From ServSafe On Food Safety Legislation Changes

Thousands of restaurant and foodservice managers across Illinois who are just starting to navigate changes to the state’s Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act are getting some help from a partnership between the Illinois Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe food-safety certification program.

The act, passed last August, makes changes to existing requirements for manager food-safety certifications and food-handler training.

Under the law’s new provisions, the Illinois Department of Health will no longer offer the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification Exam; only Conference for Food Protection-approved exams will be allowed. By July 1, a foodservice sanitation manager certification or recertification must be earned by completing an approved eight-hour training course inclusive of a CFP Exam, replacing the previously required 16-hour course.

The NRA’s ServSafe program, a recognized certification program under Illinois state law, will provide online and on-site training and exam options for foodservice managers. Nationwide, more than 5 million foodservice professionals have been certified through the ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Examination.