In Missouri, the answer depends on where you work. The state doesn’t require food handler certification across the board, but many counties and cities do—especially in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and Independence.

Even where it’s not mandatory, employers almost always require it to meet local inspection standards. So, if you're applying for a job in food service—get certified, stay competitive.

If you're working with food in any of these places, you’re either required or highly encouraged to take a food handler course:

• Restaurants, cafés, food trucks, diners

• Bars, grills, and taverns

• Hotels, resorts, and lodges

• Casinos and horse or car racing tracks

• Grocery stores and gas stations with hot food

• Amusement parks and movie theaters

• Caterers, banquet halls, event centers

• School cafeterias, daycares, college food services

• Culinary schools and hands-on training labs

If it has a kitchen or serves food to the public—you’re in the zone.

Yes, and they’re stricter than most. St. Louis and St. Louis County each have their own health departments, and they often require ANSI-accredited food handler training—FHC® qualifies.

Same goes for Kansas City and Jackson County. Always check local rules, but FHC® is accepted by most Missouri municipalities that require training.

• It’s ANAB-accredited (formerly ANSI), so it checks the compliance box
• It’s 100% online, mobile-friendly, and easy to complete
• You get your certificate instantly when you pass
• Only $7—budget-friendly for students and new hires
• It’s written in plain language, not legal mumbo jumbo

Yes. Most Missouri counties and employers accept online, ANAB-accredited training, which makes FHC® a convenient option for busy schedules and remote learners. No classrooms, no travel—just click, train, and print.

Once you pass the course, your FHC® certificate is valid for 3 years. Be sure to check with your employer or local health department in case they request more frequent renewal.

Absolutely. Culinary and hospitality programs across Missouri—including in Columbia, Springfield, and Cape Girardeau—often require students to complete a food safety course before starting an internship or lab. FHC® gets you certified fast and cheap.

Most likely. Missouri school districts, daycares, and universities often require cafeteria workers to hold a food handler certificate. FHC® meets those expectations, and you can finish the training in about an hour.