Ace's Let's Talk About It

Ohio Person in Charge (PIC) Certification: Why We Are #1 & The “Big 9” Allergens Explained

Jan 11, 2026 | Ohio Food Handler

Introduction If you work in an Ohio restaurant, you know the rule: The Ohio Department of Health requires every food service operation to have a “Person in Charge” (PIC) present during all hours of operation.

But getting certified shouldn’t be a headache, and it definitely shouldn’t break the bank.

At ACE Food Handler, we have revolutionized the [Ohio Level 1 Person in Charge Certification]. Here is why thousands of Ohio food workers choose us—and why you should too.

Why ACE Food Handler is the Best Choice for Ohio
We didn’t just build a course; we built the solution busy restaurant pros asked for.

1. The Best Price ($10)
Why pay $25 or $50 for the same certificate? We believe food safety should be accessible. We offer the fully approved Ohio Level 1 PIC Certification for just $10. No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just the certification you need at the lowest price in the industry.

2. The Best Platform (Mobile-First)
You don’t sit at a desk all day, so why should your training force you to? Our entire platform is 100% mobile-friendly. You can start the course on your phone while waiting for a bus, pause it, and finish it on your tablet at home. It saves your progress automatically.

3. The Best Training (Video-Based)
Stop clicking through boring text slides from 1999. Our course is video-based and interactive. We use real-world scenarios that make the information stick, ensuring you actually learn how to protect your customers.

4. The Best Reputation
Don’t just take our word for it. ACE Food Handler is trusted by tens of thousands of students across the country. With a 4.9-star rating and approved accreditation from the Ohio Department of Health, you can trust that your certificate will be accepted by your local health inspector—whether you are in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or anywhere in between.

Ohio Person in Charge - Ohio Food Safety Certification

Ohio Person in Charge

Chart of the Big 9 Food Allergens including SesameThe “Big 9” Food Allergens: What Every PIC Needs to Know
A massive part of your Person in Charge training is understanding Food Allergens.

For years, we talked about the “Big 8.” However, with recent federal law changes (FASTER Act), Sesame has been officially added as the 9th major allergen.

As the Person in Charge, you must ensure your staff knows these 9 ingredients, as they account for 90% of all food allergic reactions in the United States.

1. Milk
Common in butter, cream, cheese, and many baked goods. Watch out for hidden milk proteins in deli meats and hot dogs.

2. Eggs
Found in mayonnaise, meringue, and many breading mixtures. It is a leading allergen in children.

3. Fish
Includes bass, flounder, and cod. Note: A person allergic to fish may not be allergic to shellfish, but caution is always required.

4. Crustacean Shellfish
Includes crab, lobster, and shrimp. This is the most common food allergy in adults and can cause severe anaphylaxis.

5. Tree Nuts
Includes almonds, walnuts, and pecans. These are distinct from peanuts.

6. Peanuts
A legume (grows underground), not a tree nut. Peanut allergies can be airborne-sensitive in rare cases, making cross-contact prevention critical.

7. Wheat
Found in bread, pasta, and breading. This is different from Celiac disease (an autoimmune condition), but the safety protocols (avoiding cross-contact) are similar.

8. Soy
Found in tofu, edamame, and soy sauce. It is often a “hidden” ingredient in processed foods.

9. Sesame (The Newest Addition)
Found in hummus, tahini, burger buns, and many dressings. Since 2023, Sesame must be clearly labeled on food packaging.

[INSERT YOUR INFOGRAPHIC HERE]
(Upload your infographic image here and set the Alt Text to: “Chart of the Big 9 Food Allergens including Sesame”)

Get Certified Today
Don’t risk a health violation or a customer reaction. Get your official Ohio Person in Charge Certification today with the best provider in the state.

[> Click Here to Start Your Ohio PIC Course for just $10]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 Stars

Rated by 1,250+ Ohio Students.
Official Ohio Department of Health Approved Provider.


Frequently Asked Questions: Ohio PIC & Allergens

What are the Big 9 Food Allergens?

The Big 9 allergens responsible for 90% of reactions in the U.S. are: Milk, Eggs, Fish, Crustacean Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soy, and the newly added Sesame.

Is Sesame now a major food allergen in Ohio?

Yes. Under the federal FASTER Act, Sesame was officially declared the 9th major food allergen. All Ohio Person in Charge (PIC) training protocols now include specific requirements for labeling and handling sesame to prevent cross-contact.

Is this Ohio PIC course video-based?

Yes. The ACE Food Handler course uses interactive video training rather than just text slides. This format is fully mobile-friendly and allows you to watch, listen, and learn at your own pace.


The Smarter Alternative to ServSafe®: ANAB-Accredited & Industry Approved Upgrade your food safety compliance with Ace Restaurant Manager Training. Powered by FMC, our program provides the ANAB-CFP accredited certification legally required by health departments nationwide—without the ServSafe premium. We have replaced the industry’s outdated testing methods with a superior, user-friendly platform that features 24/7 access, remote online proctoring, and instant certificate downloads. Join the shift to a better, more affordable training solution that puts your business first.

Start Your Training Today | [View Corporate Solutions]

Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection

Ohio Person in Charge

Course fees for Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection

$10 Online Ohio Person in Charge Food Handler

Ohio Person in Charge Certification

More Details

Summary This short, fully accredited online course from Ace Food Handler covers everything you need to know about basic food handling and hygiene in the State of Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection.

At the end of the course you will be awarded a Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection. 

Description: Our online Ohio Food Handlers Card training will teach you all of the skills and knowledge needed to work safely in a Ohio food outlet. Our Food Handler Card training course is short and simple to understand. The course is available 24/7 and usually takes about a hour to complete. Available in English or Spanish, our course will take you step-by-step through everything you need to know, including basic definitions, hygienic working, cross contamination and food related illnesses. The course is easy to follow, and it allows you to work at your own pace. It includes a few videos with practical demonstrations, showing exactly what you should, and should not do when working with food.

At the end of the course you will be required to pass a comprehensive test and must pass with a 75% or better.

Hit the ‘Get Certified’ button now to register for our Ohio Food Handler training course.

We’re proud to offer high quality Ohio Food Handlers Card at one of the lowest prices in the State of Ohio!

Course content

  • Food Handler (Video 1)
  • Definitions
  • Behaviors
  • Food Safety (Video 2)
  • The Big 5
  • If you are sick…. Report it!
  • Report your Symptoms
  • Animals
  • Hazards of handling ready-to-eat foods
  • If you have to handle ready-to-eat food

 

ACE Food Handler also provided Ohio Person in Charge Corporate Accounts

Updated 04/12/2022

State of Ohio

Ohio Department of Health
Food Safety Program
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Telephone: (614) 644-7416

 

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC
error: Content is protected !!