Who needs a food handler training for every food employee in Illinois?

Issued by Illinois Department of Public Health (ANSI-accredited course for restaurants), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in Illinois

Every paid food handler needs the training within 30 days of hire, unless they hold a valid manager certification. Restaurants must use an ANSI-accredited course; other food businesses may use an IDPH-approved program.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Illinois Department of Public Health (ANSI-accredited course for restaurants).

Sources and dates

IDPH food handler training page. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.