Backcountry Training & Food Handler Certification

Importance of Food Handler and Backcountry Certification

Each year millions of people eat out and the trend of eating out continues to grow. The food industry has grown in response to the increased demand. Food facilities are unique businesses faced with the challenge of providing quality food that is safe to consume. At a minimum, this involves safely storing, transporting, and preparing food, and taking reasonable precautions against disease and injury. Although the specific nature and complexity of the food services may vary greatly, it is possible to generalize about the things they need to know and do to fulfill their obligations to their clients.

Simply stated, food operators are required to take reasonable steps to prevent food-borne illnesses. This entails learning about food-borne diseases to which clients may become exposed, and techniques for minimizing the risk of illness. The responsibilities of a food manager are many, and may at times seem overwhelming. Fortunately, most of the health risks posed may be easily overcome by simple procedures described in the Food Managers Course Manual. Managers who learn and implement the practices recommended in this manual will be doing a great service, both to their clients and to the food industry.

Food Handler Certification and Instructions

The adoption of the 2017 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code does not change Food Handler Training or Certification through Coconino County. This manual is based on the 2017 FDA Food Code that was adopted by the State of Arizona and the Coconino County Health and Human Services.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING THE FOOD HANDLER COURSE:

Below is a GREEN link to the updated 2017 Food Handler education and certification. You will go to a portal, select education and pay for a test. You will then be asked to create an account, choose the English or Spanish food handler course, make a payment and you will be in the course. If you are not in the course click on my account and click on the EDU link given for the course. Depending on your internet connection the course content make take a moment to load.

Please do not create more than one account or attempt to pay twice. If you have any difficulty please call us at 928-679-8760.

The course is on a power point presentation, there is also a test, and a manual. After passing the test you will get a certificate of completion. If you would like a Food Handler certification card you will need to contact Lydia Hernandez at 928-679-8760. A valid ID will be required in order for us to issue you a certification.

Please be advised that if you take the Food Handler course from another provider the onus of proof that the certification meets the requirements of ARS 11-269.12 is on you. There is also a $8.00 conversion fee for us to create a Food Handler card if you have not taken the Food Handler course with Coconino County.

You may contact us with any technical issues or questions at 928-679-8760. A refund will be considered with proof that you have tried to call us and resolve any difficulty you are having. Please be advised that a refund could take 30 days and some fees may not be refundable.

This link will take you to the payment portal and the Food Handler course.

Food Handler Certification

All purchases of bulk certificates made through the NAU portal will be valid for one year from 11/15/2021 and will expire in December of 2022. If you have questions please call us at 928-679-8760.

Backcountry Certification and Instructions

The Backcountry Training includes a wider breadth of topics than the standard Food handler training. The training covers topics such as vector, sanitation, food, and water safety. This training is unique to Coconino County due to the Grand Canyon and river guide training needs.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BACKCOUNTRY COURSE:

Below is a GREEN link to the updated 2017 Backcountry education and certification. You will go to a portal, select education and pay for a test. You will then be asked to create an account, choose the Backcountry course make a payment, and you will be in the course. If you are not in the course click on my account and click on the EDU link given for the course. Depending on your internet connection the course may take a moment to load.

Please do not create more than one account or attempt to pay twice. If you have any difficulty please call us at 928-679-8760.

The course is on a power point presentation, there is also a test, and a manual. After passing the test you will get a certificate of completion. If you would like a Backcountry certification card you will need to contact Lydia Hernandez at 928-679-8760. A valid ID will be required in order for us to issue you a certification.

The link below will take you to the portal where you can take the course.

Backcountry Certification Training

Certified Food Protection Managers Course

In December 2019, the Coconino County Unified Health Code was adopted by the Board of Supervisors to replace the former Environmental Service Codes. One of the major changes in the Unified Health Code was the addition of language that allowed the County's codes to automatically update as the State revised, inserted, or removed sections of the rules that govern the Environmental Health Program. This ensures the code stays current and up-to-date.

In July 2020, the State of Arizona adopted the 2017 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code, with an added addendum. This was the first time that the code has been updated since 2001 when 1999 Food Code was adopted. As a result, when the State adopted the updated 2017 FDA Food Code, Coconino County's Unified Health Code automatically updated as well.

On of the changes outlined in the 2017 FDA Food Code is the requirement for food establishments to have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) onsite during operating hours. The CFPM training and certificate must be attained through an accredited and approved organization. Due to this change, the Food Manager training previously offered through the County no longer meets the requirements outlined in the updated code and therefore is no longer offered.

All current Food Manager Certification issued by Coconino County expire December 31, 2021. Coconino County will no longer provide Food Manager trainings or certifications. The new Certified Food Protection Manager requirement will be provided by American National Standards Institute-certified training organizations.

Certified Food Protection Manager certification will be required as of January 31, 2022.

Coconino County requires all establishments that serve open food, which requires time/temperature control for food safety, to have at lease one (1) Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The CFPM shall be physically present during operation hours. The CFPM certification and training is different than a standard Food Manager Certification and will go into effect in January 2022.

This new CFPM Certificate must be visible or readily accessible and kept at the establishment for Health Inspections.
The certificate is valid for five (5) years.
To obtain a CFPM Certificate, you must pass an exam administered by an American National Standards Institute-Accredited provider.
Training costs vary and the majority of programs offer the option for virtual instruction as well as a virtually proctored test.

American National Standards institute CFPM Training