Food-service workers in St Joe could soon be required to take a food-handler course and acquire a permit.

The St Joseph Health Department hopes to ensure food-service workers have a basic knowledge of food safety and proper handling practices. They’ll offer a food-handler course, which will include an examination. Candidates who score 70% or higher on the exam will be issued a food-handlers permit card good for two years.

The ten dollar fee will cover the cost of the application, the course and the card, which will be specific to the worker in the event he or she changes jobs.

A public comment meeting to provide additional information and receive feedback on the proposal will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 5:00-6:30PM, in the City Council Chambers, Room 301 of City Hall at 1100 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64501.