Louisiana Food Handler Training Guide (2026)
Last updated July 2026
Louisiana has no statewide mandatory food handler training or certification requirement, but several parishes — notably Orleans Parish (New Orleans) and Jefferson Parish — impose their own food handler permit requirements. This guide covers who needs a card, what it costs, and how to get certified online today.
ANAB-accredited · about 75 minutes · $8
Quick answer
No statewide mandate — but Orleans Parish (New Orleans), Jefferson Parish, and other Louisiana parishes require food handler permits locally. Check with your parish health unit; where a permit is required, ANAB-accredited online training is typically accepted and costs $8–$15.
| Who needs it | Food handlers in parishes that require it (notably Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish) |
|---|---|
| Statewide requirement | No — parish option only for food handlers |
| Statewide manager requirement | Yes — LDH Food Safety Manager Certification for managers |
| Issuing authority | State (manager cert) and parish health units (food handler permits) |
| Regulating agency | Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) |
| Valid for | 3 years (where a parish permit is required) |
| Typical cost | $8–$15 |
Ready to get certified in Louisiana?
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How Louisiana regulates food handler training
Louisiana does not have a statewide law requiring individual food handler cards. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) does require a Food Safety Manager Certification for managers at each establishment, but that's separate from — and doesn't replace — any parish-level food handler permit. Several parishes have adopted their own food handler requirements, most notably Orleans Parish (New Orleans) and Jefferson Parish, so whether you personally need a card depends on where you work.
Because coverage is parish-driven rather than statewide, it's worth checking with your local parish health unit to confirm whether a food handler permit applies to your job and what deadline and validity period it carries — where a permit is required, it's typically valid for around 3 years. An accredited online course is generally accepted as a way to satisfy a parish requirement.
FenixFoodSafety's Louisiana Food Handler course is ANAB-accredited, takes about 75 minutes, and issues your certificate immediately on passing — ready whether your parish requires it or your employer simply prefers it.
Getting certified
How to get your Louisiana food handler certificate
Four steps, about 75 minutes, certificate in hand the same day.
Enroll
Start the Louisiana Food Handler course online — no account setup needed before checkout.
Learn
Work through the interactive modules at your own pace. Most people finish in about 75 minutes.
Pass the exam
Score 70% or higher on the online exam. Retakes are included if you need another shot.
Download your certificate
Print it the moment you pass and give a copy to your employer — they keep proof on file in case your parish requires it during inspections.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a food handler card in Louisiana?
Not under state law — Louisiana has no statewide mandatory food handler training or certification requirement. Several parishes, notably Orleans Parish (New Orleans) and Jefferson Parish, impose their own food handler permit requirements, so check with your local parish health unit.
Who counts as a food handler in Louisiana?
Anyone who handles unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces in a commercial food service establishment, in parishes that require a permit.
How quickly do I need a food handler card after starting a new job in Louisiana?
It depends on your parish, since there's no statewide deadline. Many parishes that require a permit expect it within 30 days of hire — check with your employer and parish health unit for the exact deadline.
How long is a food handler card valid in Louisiana?
Where a parish requires a permit, it's typically valid for 3 years. Always check with your local parish health unit for the exact renewal schedule.
How much does a food handler card cost in Louisiana?
Typically $8–$15 depending on the provider. Fenix's ANAB-accredited online course is $8, including the exam and your printable certificate — no hidden fees.
Can I take the food handler course online in Louisiana?
Yes, as long as the course is accredited. Fenix's course is ANAB-accredited, so it satisfies parish requirements in Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, and elsewhere in the state.
Does Louisiana require certified food managers too?
Yes. Separate from any parish-level food handler permit, the Louisiana Department of Health requires a Food Safety Manager Certification for managers at each food establishment.
What happens if I work without a food handler card where one is required in Louisiana?
Penalties vary by parish. Local health units may issue fines or citations, and establishments with uncorrected violations risk permit suspension — check with your parish health authority for specific enforcement rules.
Ready to get your Louisiana Food Handler Card?
Take the ANAB-accredited course online in about 75 minutes — just $8.
Start Louisiana Food Handler Training →