Food Handler Requirements by State:
A Complete Reference Guide

Food safety rules vary widely across the United States. Some food handler requirements by state require every person who works with food to hold a valid food handler card, while others only require one certified manager on site. Understanding the food handler requirements by state is essential for restaurant employees, managers, and owners who need to stay compliant. This guide covers the most common food handler requirements by state, with a focus on California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, and explains where local rules may differ.

A food handler is anyone who works in a food facility and performs duties that involve the preparation, storage, or service of food. In states with mandatory training, these workers must complete an accredited course and pass an exam to demonstrate knowledge of basic food safety principles. Most food handler cards must be renewed every two to three years, though the exact renewal period can vary by state or county.

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A Quick Overview of Food Handler Requirements by State

Some food handler requirements by state that applies to all food service employees. In these states, workers must obtain a card within a set number of days after being hired. Other states only require that a manager or supervisor hold a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification, leaving it up to the employer or local health department to decide whether other employees need training.

Statewide food handler requirements by state include California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Alaska, Utah, Illinois, Hawaii, Florida, and New Mexico. In most of these states, the training program must be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or approved by the state health department. If you work in a state that does not have a statewide rule, your county or city may still require a food handler card, so it is important to check local regulations.

Food Handler Requirements By State

Food Handler Requirements by State of California

California state law requires that all food handlers obtain a California Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment. New hires have 30 days from their start date to complete an accredited training course and get their card. However, San Diego County has a stricter rule: new employees in that county must have a valid food handler card within 10 days of employment.

It is also important to note that Riverside and San Bernardino counties have existing local food handler requirements that are not affected by the state law. Workers in those counties must follow the local rules rather than the state timeline. California requires training programs to be ANSI-accredited, and the card must be renewed periodically.

Food Handler Requirements by State of Texas

Texas requires all food service employees to hold a food handler card. In addition, at least one supervisor at each location must be trained as a food safety manager and hold a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification. The training for the food handler card must be ANSI-accredited. While the state does not specify a single timeline for obtaining the card, most employers expect new hires to complete training soon after they start work. The Texas Department of State Health Services oversees compliance.

Food Handler Requirements by State of Florida

In Florida, supervisors must become trained food managers, while other employees need a food handler license. The Food Handler Requirements by state requires that training programs be accredited by ANSI or approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. All food service workers who are not managers must have a valid food handler card. The exact deadline for obtaining the card after hire is not specified by state law, but local health departments may set their own timelines.

Food Handler Requirements by Illinois

Illinois requires all food service employees to complete food handler training within 30 days of hire. The training program must be ANSI-accredited or approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The food handler card is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed. This renewal cycle applies to workers across the state, although local health authorities may have additional requirements for certain types of food establishments.

Food Handler Requirements by State of New Mexico

New Mexico requires all food handlers to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of employment. However, there are two exemptions: a food handler requirements by state if you possess a valid Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification, or if you only handle non-Time and Temperature Control for Safety (non-TCS) food. As in other states, the training provider must be ANSI-accredited or approved by the New Mexico Environment Department.

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