California Food Handler Card
Every food handler at a food facility needs a California Food Handler Card from an accredited training provider. It is good for 3 years and goes with the worker from job to job.
California Food Handler Card
- Who needs it
- Every food handler.
- Issued by
- An ANSI accredited food handler training provider
- How long it lasts
- Valid for 3 years.
- Who it covers
- Every food handler employed by a food facility that prepares, handles or serves food, such as a restaurant, a bar with food or a market with a deli. The certified food protection manager does not also need one.
- Deadline
- Within 30 days after the date of hire.
- Renewal
- Every 3 years, and the card must stay valid the whole time the person works as a food handler. The employer keeps records showing each food handler holds a valid card and shows them to the inspector on request. Training time is paid time, the employer pays for the card, and a card cannot be made a condition of hiring.
- Read closely
- The statute does not apply to a food handler covered by a local food handler program that took effect before January 1, 2009. That is Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties, which run their own cards. This guide has not checked those counties' rules.