California Food Handler Law & County Requirements (2026)
Last updated February 2026
California's food handler rules come from the state Retail Food Code (HSC §113947.1) and SB 476 — and three counties run their own separate programs. Here's what the law actually requires, who's covered, the county exceptions most guides miss, and what employers must do.
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Quick answer
California law (Health & Safety Code §113947.1) requires most food employees to hold an ANAB-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire, and SB 476 requires employers to pay for the training. Three counties — Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego — are exempt from the statewide card and run their own approved programs.
| Who needs it | Anyone who prepares, stores, or serves food in a commercial setting |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 30 days of hire |
| Valid for | 3 years |
| Accreditation required | ANAB-accredited (ASTM e2659) |
| Governing law | California Retail Food Code, HSC §113947.1 |
| Employer must pay? | Yes — required by SB 476 |
| County exceptions | Riverside, San Bernardino & San Diego run separate programs |
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California law requires food handlers to hold a valid food safety certificate. Under the California Retail Food Code (Health & Safety Code §113947.1), any food employee who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces must complete an accredited food handler training course and pass an exam within 30 days of being hired.
The training provider must be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ASTM e2659. Employers are required to keep each employee’s certificate on file and make it available to the local environmental health department on request. Enforcement happens at the county level, so exact record-keeping expectations can vary by jurisdiction.
The Rules
What California requires
30-Day Hiring Window
New food employees must complete an ANAB-accredited course and obtain their Food Handler Card within 30 days of their date of hire. Many employers require it before the first shift.
ANAB Accreditation Required
California requires all food handler training providers to be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ASTM e2659.
Employer Obligations
Employers must keep a valid certificate on file for every food handler. California SB 476 requires most employers to pay for the training and the time it takes to complete it.
County Exceptions
Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties operate their own approved programs. If you work in one of these counties, use a county-approved provider instead of the statewide card.
County Exceptions
Counties that run their own program
The statewide California Food Handler Card is not valid in three counties. If you work in one of them, use a county-approved provider and confirm the rules with the local environmental health department.
Riverside County
Runs its own approved food handler program. The statewide card is not accepted — contact Riverside County Environmental Health for a list of approved providers.
San Bernardino County
Administers a separate county program. Food handlers must train through a San Bernardino County–approved provider.
San Diego County
Requires its own county-issued food handler card rather than the statewide card. Check with San Diego County Environmental Health.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What law requires a food handler card in California?
The California Retail Food Code (Health & Safety Code §113947.1) requires food employees to complete an ANAB-accredited food handler course within 30 days of hire.
Who needs a food handler card in California?
Anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces in a commercial setting — cooks, servers, bartenders, cafeteria and grocery staff, and more.
Does my employer have to pay for food handler training in California?
Yes. California SB 476 requires most employers to pay for the food handler training and to cover the time it takes an employee to complete it.
Is my card valid in every California county?
No. The statewide card is valid everywhere except Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, which run their own approved programs. In those counties you must use a county-approved provider.
How long is a California food handler card valid?
Three years from the date you complete the course.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a food manager certification?
A food handler card is for frontline employees; a Certified Food Protection Manager credential is a higher-level certification for the person in charge of an establishment. Most California food service workers need the food handler card.
What happens if a food handler does not have a card?
The employee is out of compliance with the Retail Food Code, and the employer can be cited by the local environmental health department during inspections. Cards must be kept on file and available on request.
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