A Qualified Food Operator (QFO) is a food operator employed in a full-time position who has demonstrated a knowledge of safe food handling techniques by passing a certification exam (see below). [Full-time position means 30 hours per week or the number of hours per week the food establishment is open for business, whichever is less.] Supervisory position means that position of a person who directs and inspects the performance of food service workers.
Responsibilities of Qualified Food Operators: The qualified food operator is responsible for operating the food service establishment, itinerant food vending establishment, and catering establishment in compliance with all the provisions of section 19-13-B42, B48, and B49 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The qualified food operator of each foodservice establishment, itinerant food vending establishment, and catering establishment is responsible for ensuring training of food preparation personnel. All such personnel shall receive training that shall include but not necessarily be limited to: instruction in proper food temperature control; food protection; personal health and cleanliness; and sanitation of the facility, equipment, supplies and utensils. The qualified food operator shall maintain written documentation of a training program and training records of individual employees, and shall make these records available to the local health department upon request.
Whenever the qualified food operator terminates employment, is terminated or is transferred, the person owning, operating or managing the food service establishment, itinerant food vending establishment, and catering establishment shall notify the local health department in writing. A replacement qualified food operator shall be employed within sixty (60) days from the date of termination or transfer of the qualified food operator.
Current Course Offerings
The following companies provide courses and exams which will qualify individuals as QFOs in the State of Connecticut:
The Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association (NRA)
Phone: 
1-800-765-2122
Website: www.edfound.org
250 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Certifying Board for Dietary Managers
Phone: 1-800-323-1908
Fax: 1-630-587-6308
Website: www.dmaonline.org
406 Surrey Woods Drive
St. Charles, Illinois 60174-2386
Experior Assessments (formerly National Assessment Institute)
Phone: 1-800-624-2736
Fax: 727-461-2746
Website: www.experioronline.com/food.htm
600 Cleveland Street, Suite 900
Clearwater, FL 33755
Contact: Douglas Campbell
The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, Inc.
Phone: 1-800-446-0257
Fax: 407-894-7748
Website: www.NRFSP.com
1200 East Hillcrest Street
Suite 303
Orlando, FL 32803
Contact: David Cox
MD Consulting (Chinese QFO courses)
Dr. Sam Wong
Phone: 1-508-835-9898
Email: mdconsulting@charter.net
PO Box 133
West Boylston, MA 01583
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