Single-Store Oregon Grocer Requires All Employees to Get Food Handlers Card

Newport Avenue Market, a single store, employee-owned grocer based in Bend, Oregon, has recently introduced a policy that requires all employees—regardless of position and number of hours worked—obtain a Food Handlers Card. The requirement has been put in place to ensure safe food handling at the specialty grocery store, say company officials. "As an employee-owned grocer, we feel this is some of the best and most useful knowledge we could require of our employees," says Lauren G. R. Johnson, CEO of Newport Avenue Market. "There are times where we may have all hands on deck during peak hours. As an example, a stocker or receiving clerk may be called upon to help bag groceries—this is where food handlers training is essential in our eyes." Typically, the only employees required to have a Food Handlers Card at a grocery store include those who directly handle food. With the policy, all of Newport's employees must go through training, from people working in the office to checkers and receiving clerks. While it is uncommon for a grocery store to have this particular requirement, Newport Avenue Market officials feel it's necessary given the highlighted food safety concerns and how food safety is communicated to the public. "We feel it is necessary to make sure all of our employees are fully aware of safe food handling practices regardless of their position," Johnson adds. "An example, our meat department employees and service deli people have safe food handling top of mind, but what if our box person does not? With this policy in place, the customer experience is consistent throughout their shopping experience." Safe food handling knowledge is something each employee can take with them throughout theirlife and crosses over into their personal life, officials add. “We hope this policy gives our customers added faith in the job we do for them,” Johnson says.