Food Handler Card in Dallas, TX

How food handler rules work in Dallas

Texas sets the food handler requirement statewide — every food employee needs an accredited course within 30 days of hire under TFER §228.31, and certificates are valid for 2 years. There is no separate Dallas-only card: an ANAB-accredited certificate like Fenix's satisfies the requirement citywide.

Inside Dallas city limits, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and schools are permitted and inspected by the city's own Consumer Health Division, part of Code Compliance Services — Dallas County Health and Human Services handles unincorporated county areas and county-wide mobile food unit permitting, not fixed establishments in the city. Dallas inspects on a 100-point scale, and an inspection score below 80% triggers a paid re-inspection, so employers keep training records tight.

Dallas food establishment permits renew annually with fees set by risk level, and the permitting inspector verifies compliance — including employee food handler certificates — during health inspections. That is why most Dallas employers want your certificate on file before your first shift, even though state law allows 30 days.