If you work in the hospitality industry, you may be required to serve, handle or prepare food as part of your job duties. At first, it may seem like a no-brainer to serve food in a safe manner, but in reality, food-borne illnesses and allergies are serious threats to consumers. Plus, once an establishment earns a reputation for food poisoning, business can take a sour turn.
Avoiding such food-borne illnesses and life-threatening allergic reactions is not a matter of luck, but rather a matter of good safety training. Only the most serious employees seek to get certified in food safety; employees who see their restaurant or hospitality work as merely a stepping stone in their journey often don’t bother to put in the time and effort to improve their skills and marketability.
That’s why getting a food certification is the perfect way to show potential employers that you’re highly qualified to work in the restaurant or hospitality industries, or to show your current boss that you’re worthy of a promotion or raise.
What You’ll Learn Thanks to Most Food Certification Courses
The information provided in food certification courses is vital for preventing food-borne illnesses and for maintaining an establishment’s inspection rating. Practically everyone knows that leaving egg salad out in the sun all day is a sure-fire recipe for food poisoning, but did you know that improperly washing and inspecting fruits and vegetables can be just as problematic?
And although some customers might have an incredible number of demands, their requests for no peanuts, no eggs, no soy, etc. must be taken seriously. Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that is fatal if not quickly treated with a shot of epinephrine. Once customers disclose their allergies to you or make a special request, know exactly what to do to keep them safe thanks to your training.
Finally, serving alcohol involves its own set of guidelines. How much is too much? Can you refuse to serve someone alcohol? An alcohol-specific certification course will answer all of your questions and more, giving you confidence behind the bar.
Check out these certification examples and boost your resume!
- Food Handler Certification Course. A food handler certification course teaches you how to safely store different kinds of raw foods. You’ll also learn how to prevent bacterial contamination. A food handler certification course teaches you all of the basics you need to make smart choices in a professional kitchen.
- Food Safety Manager Certification.The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals offers a food safety manager certification to teach you all the nuances of food safety. You can study on your own or with in-person training.
- Alcohol Certification. ServSafe offers multiple food certifications, including one in alcohol. You’ll learn how to serve alcohol with the safety of patrons in mind. You can take the test online or in person, and in English or in Spanish!
- Allergen Certification. Food allergies can be life-threatening. Learning how to avoid cross-contamination via the ServSafe allergen certification can literally save a life, as well as improve a restaurant’s reputation!
- Certified Food and Beverage Executive. If you want to move your way up the ranks, this certification is for you! It is offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), an industry leader in certifications. Having any AHLEI certifications on your resume should be immediately recognized as a prestigious mark of your education and specialization.
One of the best ways to show your boss that you deserve a promotion or raise is to demonstrate continuing education.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go back to school. A food manager certification is an affordable and effective way to advance your hospitality career.
Good luck!
