What is Del Taco's requirement regarding food handling training for staff at a Del Taco restaurant?
Del_Taco Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Franchisee acknowledges that applicable laws and regulations require that at least one person on the staff at a food service business must satisfactorily complete state and/or local mandated food handling training, and be certified as having successfully completed the training.
Franchisee and at least one of its employees that attend Del Taco's management training program must also successfully complete a state and/or local mandated food handling program before commencing training with Del Taco, and Franchisee and each trainee must provide a certificate of successful completion of such program prior to commencing training.
Also, Franchisee's employees must be covered by Franchisee's workers' compensation insurance policy prior to commencing training with Del Taco, and Franchisee must provide evidence of such coverage if requested by Del Taco.
With regard to training, at least seven individuals must attend and successfully complete Del Taco's training programs: the Franchisee's Operating Principal, one (1) full-time Restaurant Manager, and at least five (5) Shift Managers (collectively, the "Franchisee's Principal Trainees").
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 58–59)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Del Taco's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must ensure that at least one staff member at their restaurant has successfully completed state and/or local mandated food handling training and is certified accordingly. Furthermore, the franchisee and at least one employee attending Del Taco's management training must also complete a state and/or local mandated food handling program before commencing training with Del Taco. Certificates of completion must be provided before training begins.
This requirement ensures that Del Taco restaurants adhere to food safety standards set by local and state regulations. By requiring certification before Del Taco training, the company ensures a baseline understanding of food safety among its management and staff. This protects the brand's reputation and minimizes the risk of health code violations.
The franchisee bears the responsibility for ensuring all required personnel obtain and maintain the necessary licenses and certificates for food service and handling, as mandated by local rules and regulations and/or the Del Taco manual. This includes covering the expenses associated with obtaining these certifications. Maintaining these certifications is an ongoing obligation for the franchisee, ensuring continuous compliance with health standards.
This requirement is fairly standard in the food franchise industry, as compliance with local health regulations is crucial for the operation of any food service business. Prospective Del Taco franchisees should research the specific food handling certification requirements in their local area to budget for the associated costs and training time.