A can of commercially processed chili is opened and heated for a hot dog stand. What must it reach for hot holding?Answer: 135°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-403.11(C) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A caterer delivers fried chicken hot to a school kitchen. What must it measure on receipt?Answer: 135°F or above. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-202.11(D) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A date-marked pan of cooked rice is one day past its marked date. What is done with it?Answer: It is discarded. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-501.18(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A frozen turkey is thawed in a refrigerator. What is the warmest the food may get while it thaws there?Answer: 41°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-501.13(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A pork chop is stuffed with sausage dressing. What cooking temperature applies?Answer: 165°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-401.11(A)(3) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A probe thermometer reads in Fahrenheit alone. How far off may it be and still meet the code?Answer: ±2°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-203.11(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Show all 75 questions (69 more)
Receiving, cooking and cooling, continued
A refrigerated truck drops off cases of sliced ham at a Chicago deli. What is the highest product temperature the receiver may accept?Answer: 41°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-202.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A Springfield hotel scrambles a large pan of eggs to hold on its breakfast line. Which cooking target applies?Answer: 155°F for 17 seconds. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-401.11(A)(2) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Cut melon is held by time alone for up to 6 hours. What may its temperature never exceed in that time?Answer: 70°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-501.19(C) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Leftover soup is reheated for the steam table. How fast must it pass from 41°F to 165°F?Answer: Within 2 hours. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-403.11(D) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Raw shell eggs are delivered. What air temperature must the truck's refrigeration hold?Answer: 45°F or less. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-202.11(C) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Which is one of the cooling methods the code names for a deep pot of gravy?Answer: Placing the food in shallow pans. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-501.15(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Handwashing and hygiene 9
A cook arrives in the apron worn to mow the lawn. What does the clothing rule ask for?Answer: Clean outer clothing. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 2-304.11 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A cook bones raw chicken and next will slice bread for sandwiches. When are hands washed?Answer: When switching from raw food to ready-to-eat food. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-301.14(G) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A dishwasher unloads dirty plates, then will put away clean ones. What comes between?Answer: A handwash. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-301.14(E) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A new hand sink is installed beside the fry station. Which notice has to go up with it?Answer: A sign or poster telling employees to wash their hands. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 6-301.14 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A trainee lathers dry hands with soap before wetting them. Which step should have come first?Answer: Rinse under clean, running warm water. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-301.12(B)(1) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
After the final rinse, a cook must turn off a manual faucet. What does the code suggest?Answer: Using a disposable paper towel as a barrier. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-301.12(C) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
How does the code say fingernails are kept?Answer: Trimmed, filed and maintained so they are cleanable. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-302.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
What must hair restraints such as hats or nets do?Answer: Keep hair from contacting exposed food. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-402.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Where may an employee eat a sandwich on break?Answer: Only in a designated area away from exposed food. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-401.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Employee illness 6
A cook has an infected cut on the forearm, above the wrist. What protects the food?Answer: An impermeable cover over the lesion. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-201.11(A)(1)(e)(ii) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A cook's roommate was diagnosed with Norovirus yesterday. What must the cook do?Answer: Report it to the person in charge. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-201.11(A)(5) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A lab confirms hepatitis A in a banquet server. Who has to hear about it from the person in charge?Answer: The regulatory authority. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-201.11(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A pizzeria cook, with no hospital or nursing home customers, reports a fever and a sore throat. Which step does the code set?Answer: Restricting the employee. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-201.12(G)(2) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
What must a food establishment have ready for a vomiting or diarrheal event on the premises?Answer: Written procedures for employees to follow. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 2-501.11 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Yellowing skin and eyes are noticed on a prep cook. What does the code call that reportable symptom?Answer: Jaundice. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 2-201.11(A)(1) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Protecting food 10
A bakery case holds unpackaged muffins made with walnuts. How are customers told about the allergen?Answer: By written notification. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-602.12(C) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A basket of sealed cracker packets comes back from a table unopened and in sound condition. May it be served again?Answer: Yes, they may be re-served. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-306.14(B)(2) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A cleaning crew leaves a drum of degreaser in the stockroom. What does the code say about its position?Answer: In an area that is not above food, equipment or utensils. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 7-201.11(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A customer returns to the salad bar for seconds. What does the code say about the plate?Answer: A clean plate is used. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-304.16(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A dishwasher fills a spray bottle from a five-gallon pail of sanitizer. How is the bottle marked?Answer: The common name of the material. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 7-102.11 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A steakhouse will cook ground sirloin pink on request. What does the consumer advisory rule ask of it?Answer: A disclosure and a reminder about the risk. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-603.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A tahini dressing is added to an Illinois menu. Which ingredient in it became a major food allergen in the edition Illinois incorporates?Answer: Sesame. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 1-201.10(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Raw ground beef and raw whole fish share a cooler. What does the code say about raw animal foods of different types?Answer: They are separated from each other. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 3-302.11(A)(2) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
What protects food on a self-service buffet from customers' coughs and sneezes?Answer: Food guards, packaging or display cases. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 3-306.11 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Which of these places is on the code's list where food may not be stored?Answer: A locker room. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 3-305.12 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Cleaning and sanitizing 9
A cafeteria sets out loose forks for diners to take. How are they presented?Answer: So that only the handles are touched. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-904.11(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A high-temperature dish machine uses no chemical sanitizer. What must a plate's surface reach inside it?Answer: 160°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-703.11(B) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A new tavern kitchen plans to wash pots by hand. How many sink compartments does that take?Answer: At least 3. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-301.12(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A plastic fork was used once by a customer. May it be washed and set out again?Answer: No, single-service articles may not be reused. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-502.13(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
A red bucket of quat sanitizer is mixed for the line. How warm must the solution be, at the least?Answer: 75°F. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-501.114(C)(1) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
After washing and before sanitizing, why are utensils rinsed?Answer: To remove abrasives and cleaning chemicals. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, § 4-603.16 (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
For how long are items immersed when sanitizing with hot water by hand?Answer: At least 30 seconds. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-703.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
How clean must a cutting board be before it is used again?Answer: Clean to sight and touch. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-601.11(A) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
How high off the floor are cleaned utensils and single-service articles stored?Answer: At least 6 inches. Source: FDA Food Code 2022, ¶ 4-903.11(A)(3) (incorporated by 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110)
Illinois's law: training, allergens and gloves 29
A child of 12 sells lemonade from a stand in Illinois. May the health department regulate the sale?Answer: No, not for a seller under the age of 16. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.9
A county fair corn dog stand is a temporary food service establishment. What may customers be handed to eat with?Answer: Only single-service articles. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.350
A customer tells a server about a peanut allergy. What does section 3.08 require the server to do?Answer: Tell the person in charge or certified manager. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.08(b)
A deli clerk in an Illinois grocery store is not a restaurant employee. What does section 3.05 say about that clerk's training when changing jobs?Answer: It is not transferable between employers. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.05(a)
A festival booth has no water under pressure. What is the least its handwashing setup must have?Answer: A pan, warm water, soap and paper towels. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.335
A new line cook starts at an Illinois restaurant. How soon must food handler training be done?Answer: Within 30 days after employment. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
A server trained through an ANSI-accredited program moves to another Illinois restaurant. Does the training carry over?Answer: Yes, it is transferable between employers. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
A supply crisis leaves a kitchen with only latex gloves. What does the Latex Glove Ban Act require?Answer: A sign at the point of order or purchase. Source: 410 ILCS 180/10(a)
The Act says at least one approved training module must be sold for no more than what price per employee?Answer: $15. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(g)
An inspector asks for proof that a cook has been trained. In what form may it be shown?Answer: It may be provided electronically. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
An unpaid volunteer helps plate meals at an Illinois food establishment. Is the volunteer a food handler under Part 750?Answer: No, the definition leaves out unpaid volunteers. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.100
At a temporary event, where may wrapped sandwiches not be stored?Answer: In direct contact with ice. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.325
For this law, a business is a restaurant when ready-to-eat food for immediate consumption is at least what share of total sales, liquor excluded?Answer: 51%. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(a)
How does an Illinois inspection report mark each item?Answer: In or out of compliance, with no score. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.120(d)
How long is a food service sanitation manager certificate valid in Illinois?Answer: 5 years. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3
How many times may an employee take the food handler training?Answer: There is no limit. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
How often must a restaurant food handler in Illinois take the training again?Answer: Every 3 years. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
May an Illinois city pass its own food handler training rule?Answer: No, regulation is an exclusive function of the State. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(h)
Under 750.200, which Illinois code decides when a food employee is excluded or restricted for illness?Answer: The Control of Notifiable Diseases and Conditions Code. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.200(b)
What kind of training does the Act require for a food handler employed by a restaurant?Answer: Training accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
What must every Illinois food handler training course include?Answer: An assessment of knowledge. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.210(b)
What notice must an Illinois restaurant display about food allergies?Answer: That allergy information must be told to an employee. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.08(a)
Which drink may an Illinois restaurant include by default with a children's meal?Answer: Water with no added sweeteners. Source: 410 ILCS 620/21.5(b)
Which edition of the FDA Food Code does Illinois's Part 750 incorporate?Answer: The 2022 edition. Source: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 750.110(c)(1)
Which gloves may an Illinois food service establishment not let employees use to prepare and handle food?Answer: Latex gloves. Source: 410 ILCS 180/10(a)
Which topic is on the Act's list for allergen awareness training?Answer: Understanding gluten and celiac disease. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.07(c)(14)
Which workplace outside restaurants must have its food handlers renew training every 3 years?Answer: A nursing home. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
Who in an Illinois kitchen does not need food handler training?Answer: Someone holding a food service sanitation manager certificate. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)
Who in an Illinois restaurant must take allergen awareness training?Answer: Certified food service sanitation managers. Source: 410 ILCS 625/3.07(b)
This unofficial practice food handler test for IL asks 75 questions on the 2022 FDA Food Code and Illinois's Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act, each answer naming its source. Not affiliated with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Read the full guide
Is there an Illinois food handlers test?
Not a state-run one. The Act has food handlers trained within 30 days after employment, and Part 750 puts an assessment of knowledge in every training course. Restaurant workers generally take ANSI-accredited training. No separate Illinois food handlers license test follows that assessment.
What Illinois adds to the Food Code
46 questions ask a food handler's daily work under the 2022 edition, which names sesame a major allergen. 29 ask Illinois's own law: the 51 percent restaurant rule, allergen notices, the latex glove ban and temporary events.
Latex gloves have been out for preparing and handling food in Illinois since January 1, 2023 (410 ILCS 180/10).
When a customer reports an allergy, tell the person in charge or the certified manager on duty (410 ILCS 625/3.08).
Illinois inspection reports mark items in or out of compliance; Part 750 bars a scoring system.
Questions and answers
How long is Illinois food handler training good for?
Three years for food handlers in restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, long-term care and licensed early care and education settings, under 410 ILCS 625/3.06(b). The Act sets no renewal date for other food handlers.
Is Illinois food handler training transferable?
Training from an ANSI-accredited program moves with you between employers. Training for non-restaurant food handlers under section 3.05, or from an employer's internal program, does not.
Is this the real Illinois food handlers test?
No. These are our own questions from the public statutes, Part 750 and the Food Code. None comes from an approved course's assessment, and a score here is no proof of training.
Can a city require its own food handler card in Illinois?
No. Section 3.06(h) of the Act makes the regulation of food handler training an exclusive function of the State, and local regulation is prohibited.
Is there an Illinois food handler study guide?
The state publishes the law, not a guide. Section 3.05(b) lists what every course covers: time and temperature, personal hygiene, preventing contamination, cleaning and sanitizing, and problems with temperature control, cross-contamination and housekeeping. The questions here follow those topics.