What qualifications do you need to be a food handler?

Food handlers must be dexterous, good listeners and strong enough to carry up to 50 pounds. They must also have good overall stamina, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. No formal education is necessary, and the workers usually learn through training on the job.

Dexterity is important for food handlers, also called food preparation workers, because they work quickly with knives and other tools to chop meat and vegetables, explains the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Listening skills are critical because the workers must communicate with chefs and others to get orders right. Food preparation workers also need stamina due to being on their feet for hours at a time while preparing food, cooking and working with pots. Workers also often haul food supply boxes, which can weigh as much as 50 pounds.