Food Handler Job Description, Duties, and Responsibilities

Updated on: April 19, 2022
Food Handler Job Description

Food handlers work in many settings where the need to handle unpackaged food is imminent.

Common workplaces for food handlers include restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, hospitals, and even hotels depending on individually placed positions.

In a manufacturing setting, a food handler may be expected to cut and grind meat, manage weighing and packaging duties for vegetables, and prepare salads.

Cook Helpers and Assistants are also considered food handlers as they work directly with unpackaged food.

Apart from cooking assistance, a food handler will be expected to pack food and deliver it to the customer in some instances.

Any job that requires a person to handle food or anything that is sure to come in contact with food is a food handler.

This may include individuals who manage and wash cutlery and dishware and also people who may clean and sanitize services where food may be prepared.

Food handlers need to take special care in following hygienic practices as they are directly responsible for the well-being of the customers who eat it.

Self-sanitation and that of the workplace are of the utmost importance, and the ability and knowledge of preparing and handling food are even more so.

Job Duties for Food Handler Resume

• Assisted in the preparation and serving of meals in feast rooms and cafeterias
• Verified amounts of food materials to be packaged
• Filled individual serving trays
• Garnished and stored hot food
• Assembled cold food items and allocated them appropriately
• Helped with various kitchen duties
• Performed cleaning and sanitation tasks
• Adhered to the employers’ safety policies, as well as COVID-19 protocols
• Created a safe work environment for everyone
• Demonstrated a high degree of professionalism

Educational Requirements

There is no minimum education required by most employers for the position of a food handler even though most would probably prefer a high school graduate.

What is more important to be able to do justice to this job is to possess a love for food and the know-how of handling it in accordance with hygiene procedures.

Food Handler Skills Requirement

Since the demands of the foodservice industry are great as each working in this capacity is in direct contact with customers, food handlers need to possess excellent customer service skills.

Some food handlers may work on the front line counters at takeaways, and they will be expected to be skilled in providing customers with ordering and packaging services.