In California, anyone working in a food establishment must have a valid Food Handler Card. This certification ensures that food handlers understand proper food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. Whether you’re starting a new job at a restaurant, a café, or any other food-related business, getting your food handler card is mandatory. Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining a food handler card in California.
What Is a Food Handler Card?
A Food Handler Card certification shows you have completed training on essential food safety practices. The card ensures that you understand how to handle food in a sanitary and safe manner, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses for customers.
Food handler cards are required in many parts of California, including San Diego County, to comply with state laws and county health regulations. Anyone who prepares, serves, or stores food must have a valid card while working.
Who Needs a Food Handler Card in California?
Anyone working in the food service industry, such as restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, or catering services, must have a food handler card. This applies to employees who handle, prepare, serve, or store food.
Types of workers who need a food handler card include:
- Cooks and chefs
- Servers and waitstaff
- Bartenders handling garnishes or food prep
- Dishwashers handling clean dishware
- Anyone working in food storage or preparation areas
How to Get a Food Handler Card in California
1. Take an Approved Course
The first step in getting your food handler card is to take a food safety course approved by the state of California. This course is offered online by Always Food Safe. The course typically covers essential topics such as:
- Proper food handling techniques
- Time and temperature control for food safety
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Personal hygiene and handwashing
- Cleaning and sanitizing food preparation areas
2. Pass the Exam
After completing the course, you’ll need to pass a final exam to demonstrate your knowledge of food safety principles. The exam is typically multiple-choice, and most providers offer practice tests to help you prepare. You’ll need a passing score of at least 70% to earn your certification.
3. Receive Your Food Handler Card
Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll receive your food handler card, typically valid for three years. You should keep this card while working, as health inspectors may ask to see it during routine inspections.
Cost of a Food Handler Card
The cost of obtaining a food handler card can vary depending on the training provider, but this course costs $10.
How Long Is a Food Handler Card Valid?
In Riverside County, a food handler card is valid for three years from the date of issuance. After that, you must retake the course and exam to renew your certification. Keeping your card current is crucial, as an expired card can lead to fines for you and your employer.
Why Is a Food Handler Card Important?
A valid food handler card isn’t just a legal requirement but also essential for public health. Foodborne illnesses affect millions of people each year, and by properly training food handlers, establishments can reduce the risk of outbreaks and improve customer safety.
Food handler cards also ensure that employees know the latest regulations and best practices in food safety, promoting a safer dining environment. Proper training helps prevent costly health code violations and ensures businesses comply with state and local laws.
Where Can I Get a Food Handler Card in California?
Always Food Safe offers a flexible and affordable online food handler course approved by ANSI/ANAB. It is one of the most widely recognized food safety training programs, offering both online and classroom courses. Always Food Safe is a state-approved program that provides quick and easy online certification.
What Happens if I Don’t Have a Food Handler Card?
You and your employer could face penalties if you’re caught working without a valid food handler card. Employers are responsible for ensuring all employees are certified, and failure to comply with county regulations can result in fines, closures, or other disciplinary actions from health authorities.
Ready to Get Your Food Handler Card?
Obtaining and maintaining a Food Handler Card is straightforward but essential to working in the food service industry in California. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also helps ensure the safety and health of the community. You can learn to handle food safely and protect your customers from foodborne illnesses by completing a simple training course and exam.
If you plan to work in a food establishment in California get your food handler card as soon as possible to stay compliant with health regulations and contribute to a safer dining experience for everyone.
