Why do food handlers need special training?

Food handlers need special training primarily to understand food safety rules. This training is essential because it equips them with the knowledge required to properly handle, store, and prepare food, which is vital in preventing foodborne illnesses. Food safety rules cover a wide range of topics, including proper hygiene practices, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and understanding expiration dates. By learning these rules, food handlers play a critical role in ensuring that the food served to the public is safe for consumption, thereby protecting the health of consumers and maintaining the establishment's reputation.

While improving cooking skills, managing supplies, and gaining management abilities are useful, they do not specifically address the core reason for requiring special training in food handling, which centers primarily on food safety and sanitation practices.