The restaurant and foodservice industry is the second largest private employer in the state of Illinois, with approximately 586,000 staff working across 26,543 food establishments in 2023.
These businesses, along with any others that process, handle or serve food are required to follow stringent food safety regulations designed to protect public health through the prevention of foodborne illnesses, making Food Protection Manager Certification in Illinois an essential part of day-to-day operations.
Compliance with Illinois food safety legislation is mandatory and requires all Food Protection Managers in the state to become certified through the completion of an ANAB-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager program such as the one provided by Userve. This must be done at least once every five years to avoid being penalized for non-compliance.
In this blog, we’ll break down why Userve’s Food Protection Manager program is the best choice for Illinois food business managers, exploring the education and certification process in detail as well as outlining the steps required to ensure compliance with state legislation.
What Is a Food Protection Manager?
Food Protection Managers are responsible for guaranteeing that all food served in their establishments is safe for consumption by developing and enforcing food safety protocols. This role requires a thorough knowledge of food safety regulations and industry best practices relevant to their specific workplace.
In Illinois, individuals carrying out this role must obtain certification through an ANAB-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager program to demonstrate their expertise in these critical areas.
What Does the Userve Food Protection Manager Program Include?
Userve provides a comprehensive Food Protection Manager Program in Illinois, helping food businesses comply with state food safety regulations while equipping them with the tools to manage food safety risks efficiently and effectively.
The program includes comprehensive online education, followed by an ANAB-CFP accredited exam, which is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for Food Protection Manager certification.
Illinois Food Protection Manager Course
Food Protection Manager training ensures you have the knowledge and skills required to put effective food safety practices in place.
The Illinois Food Protection Manager Course is designed to help you improve your decision making, reduce food safety risks and protect customers. You will build a better understanding of food safety hazards such as contamination, as well as the importance of safe and effective storage, cooking, cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
The course can help improve your management skills too so that you can supervise food handling activities effectively throughout the workplace.
Userve’s Food Protection Manager Course is thorough yet easy to understand, making it accessible to both new and experienced food business managers. It includes 29 interactive lessons, covering key topics such as allergen management, food contamination, pest control and waste disposal:
- Your Role as Food Manager
- Biological Contamination
- The Big 6 - Viruses
- The Big 6 - Bacteria
- High-Risk & TCS Foods
- Other Types of Food Contamination
- Foodborne Illness Management
- Food Allergies & Allergen Management
- Personal Hygiene
- Hand Washing & Workplace Behavior
- Uniforms & Hair Care
- Illness & Onsite Injuries
- Time & Temperature Control
- Cleaning & Sanitizing
- Cleaning Methods
- Front of House
- Cleaning & Sanitizing Products
- Food Premises & Equipment
- Utilities
- Pest Control & Waste Disposal
- Introduction to HACCP
- 5 Preliminary HACCP Steps
- 7 HACCP Principles
- Receiving Food Deliveries
- Cold & Frozen Storage
- Dry Storage
- Freezing, Thawing & Preparing Food
- Cooking, Cooling & Reheating Food
- Serving & Displaying Food
Illinois Food Protection Manager Certification Exam
Food Protection Manager Certification shows regulators, employers and the public that you possess the necessary skills to keep food safe and prevent foodborne illness.
To become a certified Food Protection Manager in Illinois, you must demonstrate that you meet the required level of competency by passing an ANAB-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager Exam. This will assess your knowledge of food safety in alignment with the most recent FDA Food Code and the standards set by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).
The Illinois Food Protection Manager Exam delivered by Userve is nationally accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and complies with the CFP Standards for Accreditation of Food Protection Manager Certification Programs. It is an online assessment that verifies your knowledge of various topics covered in the Food Protection Manager Course. These topics include:
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Facility and Equipment Maintenance
- Food Preparation
- Food Safety Systems
- Foodborne Illness
- Health and Hygiene
- Purchasing and Receiving
- Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance
- Safe Storage and Transport of Food
The exam is made up of a series of multiple-choice questions, and a minimum score of 70% is required to pass. Additional attempts are available if needed.
The examination process is recorded and monitored by a proctor who will observe you remotely via a webcam to ensure no misconduct or cheating occurs.
Illinois Food Protection Manager Compliance
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) mandates that each food establishment must have at least one certified Food Protection Manager on staff.
Additionally, IDPH establishes statewide sanitation laws encompassing food safety, sanitation, and employee hygiene, all of which are applicable to your business. The department also enforces state-specific inspection requirements. To avoid fines and violations, it's essential to ensure that your establishment is consistently prepared for health inspections.
Benefits of Completing the Illinois Food Protection Manager Program
The successful completion of the Userve Food Protection Manager Course & Exam unlocks several benefits for your business, such as:
- Compliance: Stay in line with Illinois food safety regulations and avoid penalties or business shutdowns.
- Customer confidence: Show your customers that their health and safety is a priority by having a certified Food Protection Manager on-site.
- Operational safety: Enhancing your food safety knowledge can reduce the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks and protect your business from liability.
- Transferable Knowledge: Use what you’ve learned to improve food handling procedures across your entire team, making your business safer and more efficient.
Become a Certified Food Protection Manager in Illinois
Userve’s Food Protection Manager Program in Illinois not only ensures compliance with state legislation but also helps elevate food safety standards across your business.
Whether you are in Chicago or any other part of the state, Userve provides a flexible, comprehensive Illinois Food Manager Program designed to help you protect your customers in accordance with state food safety regulations.
Start the certification process by signing up for the Illinois Food Protection Manager Course & Exam today! Need advice? Get in touch with our expert team; they will be happy to help find the right training program for you.
