Food Handler's Card

ALL food handlers must have a Food Handler Card.  Employees will have 30 days following the date of hire to acquire a food handler card.

How do I know which employees need a card?

A food handler is defined as an individual who is involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility. The law was intended to have all employees who are at all involved in food service undergo basic food safety training. Similar laws in other states have been interpreted to include all employees except those who have strictly administrative roles, such as a bookkeeper.

What are my responsibilities for tracking my employees’ food handler card?

The law requires employers to maintain records documenting that each food handler employed by the facility has a valid food handler certificate and can provide those records to the local enforcement officer upon request.

Do I have to pay my employees for the training and test or their time?

If employees obtain training and testing on their own online, such as the ServSafe Starters California Food Handler Training program, the employer is not mandated to pay for the training and card. The cost of training and card is to be no more than $15.

ServSafe Starters California Food Handler Training Course

ServSafe Starters Food Handler Training meets the requirements set forth by the state. The law describes a food handler as anyone who is involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food.

ServSafe Starters California Food Handler Training covers five key areas:

• Basic Food Safety
• Personal Hygiene
• Cross-Contamination & Allergens
• Time and Temperature
• Cleaning and Sanitation

ServSafe Food Handler Test and Card (click to go to course)

Once you complete the course print two copies, one for yourself and one for your manager/owner to keep on file.