What is a food sanitarian and how to become one

Key steps to become a food sanitarian

1. Explore food sanitarian education requirements

   Most common food sanitarian degrees

   Bachelor's

   75.0 %

   Master's

   8.3 %

   Certificate

   8.3 %

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2. Start to develop specific food sanitarian skills

   Skills	Percentages
   Food Handling	62.64%
   FDA	37.36%

3. Complete relevant food sanitarian training and internships

   Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New food sanitarians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a food sanitarian based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real food sanitarian resumes.

4. Research food sanitarian duties and responsibilities

   • Attend calibration meetings to ensure compliance with all applicable HACCP, state and local health codes.
   • Review client HACCP systems through identifying and monitoring critical control points, record keeping, and verification procedures.
   • Develop master sanitation periodic spreadsheet and direct compliance in a USDA facility.
   • Collect and process food samples using aseptic techniques, complete appropriate documentation and deliver to IDPH food borne illness investigation laboratory.

5. Apply for food sanitarian jobs

   Now it's time to start searching for a food sanitarian job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

   1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
   2. Consult your professional network
   3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
   4. Watch out for job scams