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What is Civil Service?

The New York State Constitution and New York State Civil Service Law mandate that public employees must be hired for jobs on the basis of their merit and fitness. In practical terms, “merit and fitness” means finding people who are best suited to perform a particular job. Civil Service jobs can be divided into two areas: positions that require participants to compete in an examination and positions that do not require competitive examination.

I only sell food at the local fireman's convention on one weekend a year under my tent. Do I have to be certified?

No. Operators obtaining a Temporary Food Permit do not require a Certified Food Handler if the food item(s) are from an approved menu list or reviewed and approved by the permit issuing official prior to the event. The food workers must keep conditions sanitary and must avoid bare hand contact with any ready-to-eat foods.

I have a "ServSafe" Certification. Do I have to register for the Food Handler course offered by the County?

No. Your certification must be current, you must provide a copy of the certificate, and it must be issued by a nationally accredited authority that is recognized by the Health Department. However, we strongly urge that you still attend the certified Food Handler training for several important reasons, including: the chance to meet and question your County Health inspectors, to remain current in local laws and food safety information, to contribute to food safety discussion with your peers, and to encourage your non-certified food workers to gain training as a Certified Food Handler.