California Food Handler Card & Training California Food Handler

Yes. Under CA Health & Safety Code §113948, all food employees should complete an accredited food handler training course within 30 days of hiring.

Some counties (Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego) have their own food handler card requirements that pre-date the state law. If you live in those counties, you need to follow local requirements instead.

Depending on where you live, there might be additional requirements. It’s always best practice to double-check requirements with your city/county or employer.

Also, you'll need to take a copy of your certificate of completion to your employer because California law requires them to maintain records of food handler training for all employees and produce them upon request. You might want to print or save a few copies for yourself.

WHAT IS CALIFORNIA FOOD HANDLER SENATE BILL 476?

Effective January 1, 2024, California’s SB 476 shifts the burden of food handler training costs to California employers. Be sure to check with your employer to see how they want to handle training before you sign up.

Now, employers are required to:

• Cover the cost for ANAB-accredited food handler training and any associated expenses.
• Pay employees at their hourly rate or standard salary for time spent to complete training and testing.
• Excuse employees from their regular job duties during the course or exam.
• Not require job applicants to have a valid food handler card prior to or as a condition of employment.

While the law maintains the requirement for food employees to complete ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited training within 30 days of hire, the issued cards remain valid for three (3) years.

California's Health and Safety Code clarifies that a food handler is anyone involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility, unless you work at an exempt facility or have valid Food Manager Certification instead.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Servers
• Chefs and head chefs
• Cooks and head cooks
• Bartenders
• Hosts and hostesses who handle food

Exempt facilities include:

• Grocery stores and convenience stores (except separately owned food facilities attached or located inside)
• Retail stores
• Certified farmer's markets
• Commissaries
• Licensed health care facilities
• Public and private school cafeterias
• And more

Yes, although where you should get your training depends on the county where you work.

State law, which applies in all but three counties, allows you to take your course online or in-person. But it’s important to note that any course you take must be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). That includes the Learn2Serve, by 360training, courses.

San Diego County requires you to pick a training provider off their approved list, which includes 360training as well.  Enroll now!

Unfortunately, we can't help with Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Riverside County and San Bernardino County only have one county-approved training provider, each.

The cost of a food handler permit in California varies but is typically around $10 to $15. You can complete your training and obtain your permit affordably through 360training.

Getting a food handler license in California generally takes a few hours, as you need to complete the training and pass the exam. The course is about 90 minutes, and you can finish this process efficiently online with 360training.

Your food handler certificate is valid for three years, unless you work in Riverside County. Riverside's food handler card is only valid for two years.

Once your license expires, you’ll need to complete the food handler training course again.

When completing your food handlers card training, you will learn about:

• Safety standards required in the food service industry 
• How to clean and prevent cross contamination of food and food-contact surfaces
• Proper environment for food preparation
• Best food safety practices and general food safety knowledge
• Food safety laws
• How to help with allergic reactions
• Proper flow of food for a kitchen

Our online training meets all state-required food handler training programs and can help you get ready to get a job at a food service establishment.

In California, you can work at a variety of establishments if you have your food handler card. Some examples include:

• Restaurants (counter service, casual, and fine dining)
• Fast food
• Coffee shops
• Delis and sandwich shops
• Food trucks
• And many more…

And within each establishment there are numerous jobs because the food and beverage industry in California is growing extremely fast.

According to the California Restaurant Association (CRA), in 2019 there were 1,830,000 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 11% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 9% by the year 2029.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in California, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Another thing to note is that you’ll need your California food handler card to get any of these jobs. And if you already have it before you apply, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

California Department of Food and Agriculture: The CDFA regulates the production and sale of food products, so part of their job is ensuring public safety. You'll find food safety and product recalls here.

California Department of Public Health: The CDPH is a great source of information on foodborne diseases and outbreaks, as well as food defense and security.

*The food handlers card is a wallet card download that can be printed and used as proof of completion and should not be confused with a food handler card issued by the health department. San Diego County Food Handler Certificate does not include wallet card download.