Oak Lawn, IL Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

FOOD HANDLER OR FOOD EMPLOYEE (BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT): Any person employed in or operating a food establishment who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces. "Food employee" or "food handler" does not include temporary food establishments or unpaid volunteers in a food establishment, whether permanent or temporary. All food handlers must adhere to prescribed sanitation and hygiene standards to minimize the risk of foodborne illness and contamination. Food handlers and food employees shall obtain and maintain a valid food handler training certificate, as required by applicable state and local regulations. FOOD SAFETY MANAGER (MUNICIPALITY): The individual who has obtained both food safety certification and holds or operates under the authority of a Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner ("LEHP"), as defined by the Environmental Health Practitioner Act, 225 ILCS 37/1, et seq., and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation , allowing them to conduct official food establishment inspections, and has been designated to enforce heath regulations pursuant to the ordinances of the Village of Oak Lawn. SANITARIAN (MUNICIPALITY): The person meeting the qualification of Licensed Environmental Health Practitioner, as defined by the Environmental Health Practitioner Act, 225 ILCS 37/1, et seq., and regulations promulgated