BITK - Keep Your Kitchen Safe and Successful: Free 2026 Food Safety Training
free 2026 food safety training
In the Memphis hospitality scene, your reputation is everything. We know that as restaurateurs and operators, you work tirelessly to provide incredible experiences for your guests. But even the most talented kitchens can be vulnerable to one of the industry's biggest risks: foodborne illness.
The good news? The best defense is education, and it won't cost your business a dime. The Shelby County Health Department offers free food handlers training classes. The classes are held once a month 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at the department’s Sycamore View building. This public service is available to managers and hourly employees within Memphis and Shelby County.
Why Food Safety Training Matters
A foodborne outbreak—defined as when two or more people become ill from the same contaminated food or drink—can be devastating for a local business. Most incidents stem from basic, preventable mistakes:
Undercooking food.
Leaving ingredients at improper room temperatures.
Poor hand hygiene or cross-contamination.
By prioritizing training, you aren't just checking a compliance box; you are protecting your staff, their families, and your customers. Proper education is the most effective way to reduce the behaviors that lead to illness and ensure your team feels confident and professional in their roles.
2026 Shelby County Health Department Training Schedule
The Environmental Health Food Safety team is offering free training courses throughout 2026. These sessions are designed specifically for Shelby County food handlers to improve safety standards across our city.
The Details
Cost: Completely FREE for all Shelby County food handlers.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: 1826 Sycamore View Road, Memphis, TN 38134
Invest in Your Team
We encourage all Memphis operators to take advantage of this resource. Empowering your team with the right knowledge ensures that "Welcome to Memphis" always stands for quality and safety.
Pro-Tip: Consider rotating small groups of your staff through these monthly sessions to ensure your entire kitchen stays up to date without disrupting your daily service.
Creating great food safely is “Authentic Memphis Hospitality”
