(a) Purpose. This section is intended to provide the framework for accrediting manager level food safety training programs in accordance with the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 438, Subchapter D, Food Service Programs. A uniform standard governing the accreditation of food safety programs enhances the recognition of reciprocity among regulatory agencies and reduces the expense of duplicate education incurred when food establishment managers work in multiple regulatory jurisdictions. Education of the food establishment manager provides more qualified personnel, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks caused by improper food preparation and handling techniques.
(b) Definitions. The following words and terms when used in this section shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(1) Accredited certified food manager training program--A certified food manager training and testing program approved by the department that meets the standards set forth in this section.
(2) Alternative training methods--Training other than classroom, including but not limited to distance learning, computerized training programs, and correspondence courses.
(3) ANSI-CFP Program Accreditation--Accreditation by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP), which accredit programs as outlined in the CFP Standards for Accreditation of Food Protection Manager Certification Programs.
(4) Certificate--The documentation issued by a department-approved ANSI-CFP Program examination licensee verifying that an individual has complied with the requirements of this section.
(5) Certification--The process whereby a certified food manager certificate is issued.
(6) Certified food manager--A person who has demonstrated that he or she has the knowledge, skills and abilities required to protect the public from foodborne illness by means of successfully completing a certified food manager examination and becoming certified as described in this section.
(7) Certified food manager examination--A department-approved ANSI-CFP Program accredited on-site examination for food manager certification.
(8) Certified food manager program; certified food management program--A training program accredited by the department that provides food safety education for food establishment managers and administers a certified food manager examination for certification or recertification purposes.
(9) Continuing education--Documented professional education or activities that provide for the continued proficiency of a certified food management program instructor.
(10) Department--The Texas Department of State Health Services.
(11) Food--A raw, cooked, or processed edible substance, ice, beverage or ingredient used or intended for use or for sale in whole or in part for human consumption, or chewing gum.
(12) Food establishment--
(13) Law--Applicable local, state and federal statutes, regulations and ordinances.
(14) Licensee--The individual, corporation or company that is licensed by the department to operate certified food management programs.
(15) On-site examination--An ANSI-CFP Program accredited paper and computer-based examination for food manager certification administered by a certified food manager program.
(16) Person--An association, corporation, partnership, individual, or other legal entity, government or governmental subdivision or agency.
(17) Qualified instructor--An individual whose educational background and work experience meet the requirements for approval as a qualified food management program instructor as described in this section.
(18) Reciprocity--Acceptance by state and local regulatory authorities of a department-approved certified food manager certificate.
(19) Regulatory authority--The local, state, or federal enforcement body or authorized representative having jurisdiction over the food establishment.
(20) Single entity--A corporation that educates only its own employees.
(21) Sponsor--An individual designated in writing to the department, by the licensee, as the person responsible for administrative management of the certified food manager program.
(22) Two-Year Renewal Certificate--The certificate issued by the department from May 6, 2004 to April 24, 2008, verifying that a certified food manager has completed the application and submission of fees for renewal of a department-issued certificate.
(c) Certified food manager.
(1) Certified food manager responsibilities. Responsibilities of a certified food manager include:
(2) Certification by training and food safety examination. To be certified, a food manager shall complete an accredited certified food management certification or recertification program and pass a certified food manager examination. A state-approved examination for issuance or renewal of a food manager certificate must test an applicant on the food allergen awareness information described by Texas Health and Safety Code §437.027(b).
(3) Certificate reciprocity. Department-approved food manager certificates shall be recognized statewide by regulatory authorities as the only valid proof of successful completion of a department-accredited certified food management program.
(4) Certificate availability. The original certified food manager certificate shall be posted in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to consumers.
(d) Certification program course curriculum. A certification program shall include a minimum of 14 hours of food safety training utilizing the training and time requirements in Texas Health and Safety Code, §438.043(a).
(e) Recertification program course curriculum. A recertification training program shall include a minimum of six hours of food safety training.
(f) Requirements for qualification of instructors. The instructors for all certified food management programs shall be department-qualified prior to teaching a class. The instructors for all certified food management programs shall meet the qualifications in these rules. Instructors meeting these qualifications shall be approved for the two-year permit term of the certified food management program licensee. The completed application form shall be submitted to the department through the accredited certified food management program licensee.
(1) New instructors. A completed application for new instructors shall be submitted by the program licensee to the department with the following documentation:
(2) Nationally accredited program instructors. Nationally accredited program instructors who have met the minimum standards as set forth by this section shall be given reciprocity when instructing and administering an ANSI-CFP Program Accreditation examination.
(g) Responsibilities of qualified instructors.
(1) Compliance with certified food management program laws and rules. All qualified instructors are responsible for compliance with applicable certified food management program laws and rules.
(2) Training requirements. All qualified instructors are responsible for instructing the course content as specified in subsection (o)(3) of this section, and meeting the training time requirements as specified in subsection (n)(6) of this section.
(h) Requirements for the renewal of qualified instructors. In order to renew an instructor's qualification, the program licensee shall comply with the requirements of this subsection.
(1) Contact hours for continuing education. Certified food management programs shall submit a renewal application and documentation of five contact hours of continuing education for each instructor during the two-year certified food manager program license period to maintain qualification as a certified food manager program instructor.
(2) Accepted continuing education topics. Continuing education topics may include areas in food safety or instruction enhancement.
(3) Verification of continuing education. The following may be used for continuing education:
(i) On-site examination. ANSI-CFP Program accredited food safety certification examinations shall be the only department-approved paper and computer-based certified food manager examinations.
(j) Certified food manager certificates.
(1) General certificate issuance. Certificates shall be issued by the department-approved examination provider. Candidates whose certificates are issued after successful passage of a department-approved examination shall be deemed to meet the requirements for food manager certification.
(2) Certificate period. A certified food manager certificate issued by a department-approved examination provider under this section shall comply with the CFP Standards for Accreditation of Food Protection Manager Certification Programs, §7.3, Effective Date of Certificate, as amended.
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