ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session

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HB 2079: food handler certificate; volunteers; limits

Sponsor: Representative Hendrix, LD 14

Committee on Regulatory Affairs

Overview

Modifies the requirements for volunteers that are not required to obtain a food handler certificate for serving packaged or heated food.

History

Counties can require a food handler certificate and training for employment in the food service industry. Required food handler certificate training must meet American society for testing and materials (ASTM) standard E2659-09 and address the following topics:

1) cooking time and temperature and its relationship to foodborne illness;

2) personal hygiene standards to improve food safety practices and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses;

3) how to prevent food contamination in all food handling stages including delivery;

4) proper procedure for cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils; and

5) problems associated with temperature control and potential solutions, how to prevent cross contamination and proper housekeeping and maintenance (A.R.S. § 11-269.12).

Current statute prevents a county from requiring a volunteer in a school that handles or serves food to students outside the school's regular food service to obtain a food handler certificate or identification card or participate in a food handler certificate course if: 1) the volunteer is overseen by a certified food protection manager; or 2) overseen by a person in charge as defined by Arizona Administrative Code (A.R.S. § 11-269.28).

Provisions

1. Specifies that a volunteer who serves packaged or heated food fewer than three times in a calendar year cannot be required by a county to obtain a food handler certificate or identification card or participate in a food handler certificate training course if the volunteer is overseen by a certified food protection manager or person in charge. (Sec. 1)

2. Exempts from the requirement to obtain a food handler certificates, volunteers for any activity or function. (Sec. 1)

3. Defines person in charge as the individual present and responsible for the management and operation of the food establishment at the time of inspection. (Sec. 1)

4. Makes a technical change. (Sec. 1)

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                  HB 2079

Initials DC/RP     Page 0 Regulatory Affairs

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