1. STEPS
  2. Restaurants and Food Service

How do I get my employees a California food handler certificate?

If you are an employer, it is on you to ensure all your employees have this certificate.

An up-to-date list of accredited food handler certificate classes can be viewed through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

📂 Employer Responsibility

State law requires employers to maintain records documenting that each food handler employed by the food facility possesses a valid California Food Handler Card.
  • An owner/person-in-charge is required to provide accurate records regarding the status of employee food handler cards at the time of a health inspection.
  • An owner/person-in-charge may be required to submit proof in the form of a current employee work schedule along with a valid copy of the employee's California Food Handler Card.

For any questions regarding the Food Handler Card law, visit the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health website.