In 2025, NFSEM continues to shine a spotlight on everyday practices that keep food safe: handwashing, preventing contamination, storing food at proper temperatures and knowing when to stay home if sick.
While promoted nationally, the campaign is most impactful at the local level – when food workers, managers and businesses bring the message into their kitchens and communities.
We have pulled together a helpful summary of everything you need to know about Food Safety Education Month. Click any of the links below to learn more about the topics that interest you most:
Why Food Safety Education Month Matters
Weekly Themes for Food Safety Education Month 2025
How You Can Participate in Food Safety Education Month 2025
Food Safety Education: Food Protection Manager Program
Tips for Businesses to Recognize Food Safety Education Month
How Food Safety Training Benefits Your Career
Foodborne illness is a serious issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 6 Americans get sick from contaminated food or drinks each year. For businesses, even one outbreak can damage reputations, lead to fines or cause closures.
For workers, the impact is personal. Food safety training helps prevent accidents, protect customers and build confidence in the workplace. Having the right certifications, such as a Food Handler Card or Food Protection Manager certification, not only keeps you compliant but also makes you more employable in a competitive job market.
To help food workers and businesses make the most of the month, Userve has created a week-by-week guide to NFSEM 2025. Each week focuses on one essential area of food safety, encouraging everyone to refresh their understanding of key policies and procedures in their workplace.
Hand hygiene and personal responsibility:
Preventing contamination:
Cooking and holding temperatures:
Cleaning, sanitizing and food storage:
By following these weekly themes, teams can transform September into a structured training opportunity rather than just a reminder.
To help you make the most of it, Userve will be releasing dedicated weekly blogs packed with practical tips, insights and resources to help bring each theme to life. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates.
Even if you already hold a valid Food Handler Card, September is a reminder to revisit the basics. Review key food safety procedures such as hand washing, cleaning and sanitizing workstations and safe cooking temperatures.
Throughout the industry, organisations mark the month with activities such as food safety quizzes, poster contests and role-play exercises. These simple initiatives help make food safety education engaging while reinforcing essential skills.
If your food safety certification is expiring soon, or you’re just starting in the food industry, NFSEM is the perfect time to get certified. Userve makes it easy to complete training online, at your own pace and from any device.
For supervisors and managers, Food Protection Manager certification demonstrates advanced knowledge of HACCP principles, foodborne illness prevention and how to train staff effectively. This certification is recognized by most U.S. health departments and is often mandatory for managers on duty.
Having a certified food manager not only meets regulations but also strengthens a business’s food safety culture from the top down.
Food safety is a team effort, and businesses can make NFSEM a highlight by:
Beyond compliance, food safety training helps workers build lasting skills. Employers prefer hiring candidates who are already certified, since it reduces onboarding time. Certifications like Food Handler and Food Protection Manager also demonstrate professionalism and responsibility – traits that can help workers move into supervisory or management roles.
NFSEM will take place throughout September 2025 across the United States.
Not specifically, but it’s an ideal time to earn or renew certifications such as Food Handler or Food Protection Manager.
In most states, Food Handler Cards are valid for 2 to 3 years, but rules vary by jurisdiction.
Yes. Many businesses schedule group training, refresher sessions,or team activities in September to mark the occasion.
Userve has announced weekly themes for National Food Safety Education Month 2025.
Userve provides online food safety programs, insights and resources to help you put food safety first. Build confidence on the job, meet regulatory requirements and keep consumers safe all year round by getting all the educational support you need.