Cookie Policy

Last Updated: November 4, 2025

This Cookie Policy explains how Food Handlers of Texas uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website. By using our site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, such as your preferences, login status, and browsing behavior.

Cookies can be:

• First-party cookies: Set by the website you're visiting (Food Handlers of Texas)
• Third-party cookies: Set by external services we use (e.g., Google Analytics, payment processors)
• Session cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted

Types of Cookies We Use

1. Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, authentication, and course progress tracking. Without these cookies, you cannot use our services.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
PHPSESSID	Maintains your login session and course progress	Session (expires when browser closes)
csrf_token	Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks	Session
cookie_consent	Remembers your cookie preferences	1 year

2. Performance Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us understand how visitors use our website by collecting anonymous information about page views, traffic sources, and user behavior. This helps us improve our website performance.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_ga	Google Analytics – distinguishes unique users	2 years
_gid	Google Analytics – stores and counts page views	24 hours
_gat	Google Analytics – throttles request rate	1 minute

3. Functional Cookies (Optional)

These cookies remember your preferences and settings to provide a more personalized experience.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
language_preference	Remembers your language selection	6 months
font_size	Remembers your text size preference for accessibility	6 months

4. Marketing Cookies (Optional)

These cookies track your online activity to help us display relevant ads and measure campaign effectiveness. We only use these cookies with your explicit consent.

Cookie Name	Purpose	Duration
_fbp	Facebook Pixel – tracks conversions and retargeting	90 days
_gcl_au	Google Ads – tracks ad conversions	90 days

How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for the following purposes:

• Authentication: Keep you logged in during your course session
• Course Progress: Save your progress so you can resume where you left off
• Security: Protect your account from unauthorized access and prevent fraud
• Analytics: Understand how users navigate our site to improve user experience
• Performance: Optimize website speed and functionality
• Marketing: Show relevant ads and measure campaign success (with your consent)
• Personalization: Remember your preferences and settings

Third-Party Cookies

We work with trusted third-party service providers who may set cookies on our behalf:

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and performance tracking (Google Privacy Policy)
• Payment Processors: Secure payment processing (Stripe, PayPal)
• Facebook Pixel: Ad tracking and retargeting (with your consent) (Facebook Privacy Policy)
• Google Ads: Conversion tracking (with your consent) (Google Privacy Policy)

These third parties have their own privacy policies and cookie practices. We recommend reviewing their policies for more information.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:

• Block all cookies
• Allow only first-party cookies
• Delete cookies after each session
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

Learn how to manage cookies in your browser:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Opt-Out Tools

You can opt-out of certain types of cookies:

• Google Analytics: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Advertising Cookies: Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out
• Do Not Track: Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser settings (note: not all websites honor this setting)

Important Note

If you disable essential cookies, some features of our website may not function properly. You may not be able to:

• Stay logged in to your account
• Save course progress
• Complete purchases
• Access your certification history

Cookie Consent

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner explaining how we use cookies. You can:

• Accept All Cookies: Allow all cookies including performance and marketing cookies
• Reject Non-Essential Cookies: Only allow essential cookies required for basic functionality
• Customize Settings: Choose which types of cookies you want to allow

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link in our footer or by adjusting your browser settings.

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will notify you by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Displaying a notice on our website
• Sending an email notification (for material changes)

Your continued use of our website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.

More Information

For more information about how we handle your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

If you have questions or concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us:

Effective Date: November 4, 2025
DSHS Provider #38776 | TABC Provider #454-508