Council Member Schulman Introduces Intro 1124 on Food Protection Certification Renewal

Thank you, Majority Leader.

Today I am introducing Intro 1124, legislation that would require food protection course certifications to be renewed every five years.

Food safety is a fundamental part of protecting the health of New Yorkers.

Everyday food service workers across our city are responsible for preparing and handling food that is consumed by

They play an essential role in preventing foodborne illness and ensuring that food is prepared and stored safely.

Currently, once a person completes the required food protection course and passes the exam, the certification does not need to be renewed on a regular basis.

But food safety practices, regulations, and public health guidance can evolve over time.

This legislation would establish a five-year renewal requirement, giving food service managers an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of safe food handling, proper storage,

and temperature control, preventing cross-contamination, allergen awareness, sanitation, and other important food protection practices.

This is a straightforward, common-sense step to make sure that the people responsible for managing food service establishments have up-to-date knowledge and training.

I urge my colleagues to sign on to this legislation and help continue strengthening food safety protections for all New Yorkers.

A couple of things I want to point out.

One, this is the second piece of legislation that was...

Where I got the idea from my chief of staff, who now has two pieces of legislation that he has helped me with.

And I believe that we're only as good as our staff members, so this is really important to me.

And the other thing I want to point out is that food certification,

licenses are renewed in other states.

Here is, we're the only city, or one of the only cities that doesn't do that.

We give it once and that's it.

So I urge my colleagues to sign on and thank you very much.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Councilmember Maloney.

All by Councilmember Riley.