A food handler is any person who handles and prepares food and beverages in SFA-licensed food retail establishments.

Chefs, sous chefs, cooks, kitchen assistants, and food stall assistants are considered food handlers as they are primarily involved in food preparation.

Managers, captains, waiters, cashiers, dishwashers, cleaners, and other service staff are generally not considered food handlers as they are not directly involved in food preparation. They will be considered as food handlers only if they are also involved in the handling and preparation of food and beverages. This may involve the washing and cutting of raw fruits, vegetables, and meat, the processing of ready-to-eat food (in raw or cooked form), preparation of sauces, spices and condiments, and the mixing of beverage drinks, among others.