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Food Handler · Staff Training and Supervision

What is the role of the 'person in charge' (PIC) in a food establishment?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

To be present and responsible for ensuring food-safety practices are followed during operation, with demonstrated knowledge of food safety

  1. A To do all the cooking personally
  2. B A ceremonial title with no duties
  3. C To be present and responsible for ensuring food-safety practices are followed during operation, with demonstrated knowledge of food safety
  4. D Only to handle cash

Why this is the answer

The person in charge (PIC) is the individual responsible during operating hours for ensuring that the establishment follows food-safety requirements. The FDA Food Code requires that a PIC be present and able to demonstrate food-safety knowledge — for example, the danger zone, cooking and holding temperatures, employee health rules, and cleaning procedures. The PIC monitors operations, trains and supervises staff, ensures sick employees are excluded, and takes corrective action when problems arise. During an inspection, the PIC must answer the inspector's questions and demonstrate knowledge. Understanding the PIC's authority and accountability is core management content.
Source: FDA Food Code — Person in Charge

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About this topic: Staff Training and Supervision

Staff training and supervision questions cover the manager's duty to train on food safety, verify understanding, enforce hygiene and illness policies, and document training — including handling an employee who reports a reportable illness. This is one of 13 Food Manager questions on staff training and supervision, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our Food Handler exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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