Farmers Markets

Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate

Effective July 15, 2015, a Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate is required to sample your food product at a Farmers Market, without having to get a separate license from the local health department (applies to samples only). The Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate is required for all persons who engage in performing tasks such as unpacking, cutting, slicing, preparing or distributing food product samples. Certificates are not transferrable between individuals and are valid for 3 years from issue date.

• Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate (certificate) Application Requirements:
  
  1. Individuals possessing a valid Illinois Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) (see 750.540) shall submit the following:
     1. An application on a form provided by the Department; and
     2. Payment of the $10 application fee.
  2. Individuals who do not possess a valid CFPM shall submit the following:
     1. Evidence of successful completion of a food handler training course as outlined in Subpart M;
     2. Evidence of successful completion of Department Farmers Market Food Sampling Handler Training*;
     3. An application on a form provided by the Department; and
     4. Payment of the $40 application fee.

*The Department’s Farmers Market Food Sampling Handler Training can be accessed here: https://i.train.org Course number 1061218 The application and handouts are also available on I-TRAIN. Upon successful completion of the course, a certificate of completion will be available for you to print.

ANSI accredited food handler training courses available online can be found here: http://www.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/certificate-issuers/AllDirectoryListing.aspx?prgID=237,238&statusID=4