Food service worker responsibilitiesClean the stove as needed, assist cooks with food preparation, create simple foods such as salads, assist in the kitchen as needed, deliver food orders to customers, keep the kitchen clean and tidy, answer questions from customers. Food handlers in all industries work to prepare food for consumers. The specific features of this function can vary greatly depending on the industry or organization. A food handler working in a production plant can prepare and combine ingredients for mass-produced items, such as candy or prepared items, for example, while a food handler working in an institutional setting, such as a hospital, can help prepare menu items or assemble food trays for distribution.
Food handlers usually don't need any formal education, but most have at least a high school diploma or GED. In addition, food handlers also support food safety and handling activities by discarding spoiled or contaminated items. The food service worker is responsible for performing numerous tasks related to preparing cold food, servicing and washing utensils. Food handlers receive incoming deliveries of ingredients and other supplies and store them in appropriate locations.
They ensure that utensils and other food preparation tools are clean and disinfected, clean up spills and leaks, and remove food debris from work areas. If you work in a restaurant, the employee will have the primary task of helping the restaurant prepare its food for the public. There are also significant on-the-job training opportunities in this position, as most new food handlers start working under the supervision of more experienced workers. Food handlers work in a variety of environments, working with unpackaged foods and beverages before making them available to consumers.
The position involves working with unpackaged food and beverages and preparing them for consumption by the public. Ultimately, you'll work in the kitchens with chefs and other food specialists to ensure that dishes are prepared correctly and processes are followed. ServSafe offers training and certification for food handlers, covering food safety and disease prevention in food preparation and service. In addition, food handlers must complete certification courses that cover food safety and handling, which may vary from state to state.
To do this, food handlers must be able to work unattended and maintain both their concentration and quality. By keeping workspaces clean and clear, food handlers promote workplace safety and prevent the spread of foodborne illness and deterioration.
