Food Service Drug Testing
Working in the food service industry often means managing stressful shifts, long hours, and fast-paced environments. Unfortunately, these conditions can sometimes lead to substance use among employees. While it might seem like a way to cope, drugs or alcohol on the job can create serious risks, including workplace accidents, compromised food safety, and damage to a company's reputation.
Drug testing policies in the food service industry help employers identify reliable candidates and address potential substance abuse issues. While not legally required for private employers, drug testing is a valuable tool for minimizing liability and ensuring a safe workplace.
Make sure you are hiring the right person for the job with Health Street's drug screening and background check services. Order online today or call (888) 378-2499.
What Drug Tests Does Health Street Offer in the Food Service Industry?
Employment Drug Tests
With thousands of locations nationwide, Health Street offers drug tests tailored to fit the needs of employers in the Food Service industry. Our comprehensive drug tests are analyzed by SAMHSA certified laboratories so that employers can hire fearlessly.
Urine Drug Test
(starting at $75)
Urine drug testing is the most common method of testing ordered by employers. This is a cost-effective, time-tested method for comprehensive employee drug screening.
ORDER URINE DRUG TESTHair Drug Test
(starting at $175)
For drug testing with a longer detection window, employers sometimes choose hair drug tests. Hair drug testing can detect drug use up to 90 days back.
ORDER HAIR DRUG TESTAlcohol Test
(starting at $77)
Alcohol tests are used to determine if a person is currently intoxicated or if a person has been drinking in the past. Health Street offers a variety of alcohol tests depending on the window of detection that is needed.
ORDER ALCOHOL TESTEmployment Drug Test
(starting at $75)
Prevent liability, ensure safety in the workplace, and protect the health of your staff with Health Street's employment drug testing.
ORDER DRUG TESTDOT Drug Test
(starting at $95)
The Department of Transportation regulates the specific requirements for employee drug testing. Health Street offers DOT drug testing to ensure compliance with DOT regulations.
ORDER DOT DRUG TESTMobile Drug Testing
(starting at $300)
Schedule on-site drug tests for 10 or more employees, or request immediate dispatch for post-accident emergency drug testing.
ORDER MOBILE DRUG TESTLaws and Regulations for Drug Testing in Food Service
Some restaurants include drug and alcohol testing in their policies, such as pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing. To avoid legal issues, food service employers must comply with federal and state regulations when implementing these policies.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration permits most drug testing programs in the food service industry. As the primary agency responsible for ensuring safe workplaces, OSHA sets and enforces standards while providing outreach, education, training, and assistance to employers and employees. While OSHA does not prohibit post-accident drug testing, it cautions against using such testing as a punitive measure against employees who have been involved in accidents or injuries. Instead, employers should only conduct drug tests when there is a reasonable likelihood that substance use contributed to the incident.
The Americans With Disabilities Act
The Americans With Disabilities Act applies to all food service employers with 15 or more employees. According to the ADA, employers must ensure that individuals with disabilities or those who have successfully completed substance abuse treatment are not discriminated against in any way, not even when conducting restaurant pre-employment tests. The purpose of this law is to prevent qualified applicants from being denied employment opportunities or facing adverse actions due to their disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The National Labor Relations Act of 1935
The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which governs employers of unionized workplaces, requires that the employer and the union negotiate and mutually agree on drug testing policies for unionized employees.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantees that all employees are treated fairly and equally, prohibiting discrimination against candidates or employees based on sex, nationality, religion, or race.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 was enacted to detect and address substance use in the workplace. The legislation empowers employers to establish written drug testing restaurant policies to discourage and prevent alcohol and drug use among employees, promoting a safer and healthier work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do restaurants drug test?
Restaurants are not mandated to drug test their job applicants or employees. Still, many opt to do so, mainly because it is so common in the food service industry to abuse drugs or alcohol while on the job.
What types of drug tests are common in the food industry?
The most commonly used drug test in the food industry is urine, as it is the most cost-effective option with a fast turnaround. However, some companies can also opt for hair drug tests, which can detect substance use for up to 90 days. Health Street offers comprehensive food service drug testing options for both urine and hair drug testing.
How do I know if my restaurant or food business needs employee drug testing?
Every employer's goal should be to create a safe working environment. Restaurants have many potential safety hazards, such as sharp objects, hot surfaces, possible food contamination, fire hazards, or equipment misuse. Since drugs and alcohol impact our cognitive and motor functions, they could lead to an increase in injuries or create safety risks for others. Restaurants that don't drug test can be putting themselves at risk of liabilities and potentially risking employees or customers getting hurt.