Food Handler Training/Cards – Ohio County
Foodborne illnesses are largely preventable and food handling safety risks are more common than people think. In order to make sure that our citizens don’t become a statistic, the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department requires that ALL FOOD HANDLERS and MANAGERS complete a course in food safety and maintain a valid and current Food Handler Card.
All permitted food service establishment personnel engaged in food handling activities must have satisfactorily completed the basic food handling training requirements and have a Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department (or approved online training program) Food Handler Card on file at the establishment. Food workers at special events must have this training prior to working at the event.
During routine inspections, follow-up inspections and complaint investigations the Environmental Inspector shall require proof of training. The manager/owner should keep copies of staff trainings as well as their own. An official follow-up notification will be issued to the establishment for failure to obtain the required training. The establishment will have 30 business days to complete the required training.
All food workers are required to have a valid Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment in a food establishment. The health department will require all food service establishment employees to maintain a valid and up-to-date Food Handler Card.
The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department requires all food service establishments in Ohio County to maintain employment of a person who has been trained as a Certified Food Manager. To become a Certified Food Manger, you must attend a training. The health department has partnered with West Virginia Northern Community College to offer the required training.
More information contact the environmental health staff at the WOCHD at (304) 234-3682.