Food Handler Requirements by State

Food handlers play a critical role in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses.

For this reason, most states require people who work with food to obtain a food handler card or certificate in food safety.

However, the food handler requirements differ by state.

This article provides an overview of the food handler requirements by state.

What is a food handler?

A food handler is anyone who works with food.

Food handlers work in various places, including:

restaurants, from fine dining to fast food
food manufacturing or packaging companies
hotels
schools and colleges
convenience stores that serve food like pizza or chicken
nursing homes or assisted living facilities
hospitals
grocery stores
bars and pubs that serve food

Working with and around food requires a basic understanding of food safety to prevent the growth and spread of germs like bacteria and viruses that can lead to foodborne illnesses.

Without proper food safety knowledge, food handlers can contaminate food and surfaces that come in contact with food like counters, flatware, and serving utensils, through various means.

This contaminated food can then make people sick and may even lead to hospitalization or death, especially in highly susceptible populations, like older adults and those with certain conditions like cancer.

As such, many states require food handlers to take a course on food safety and pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of basic food safety principles.

These principles generally include:

Knowing these topics in detail will ensure that you pass your food handler test.

Passing the exam grants you a food handler card or certificate.

These cards or certificates must be renewed — usually every 2–3 years — to ensure the card or certificate holder stays current on all things food safety.

Summary

Food handlers work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals, among others. Many states require food handlers to take a course on food safety and pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of basic food safety principles.

Food handler requirements

States either require food handlers to take an approved food handler course and exam or they strongly recommend them.

The state requirements for these food handler courses vary but they generally must be accredited by a reputable organization like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Some states have their own food handler course that you must take while others may allow any accredited course.

States may require all food handlers at a food service location to carry a card or just one person per shift.

And even if a state doesn’t require a food handler card or certificate to work with food, some counties or municipalities within the state may.

Additionally, the company for which you work may require that you obtain a food handler certificate, regardless of your state or local regulation to ensure food safety.

With these factors in mind, here’s an overview of the food handler requirements by state:

State	Food Handler Card Requirement
Alabama	No, but Jefferson and Mobile counties require it.
Alaska	Yes
Arizona	Yes
Arkansas	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
California	Yes, within 30 days of employment. Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties have their own food handler card requirements.
Colorado	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Connecticut	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Delaware	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Florida	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Georgia	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Hawaii	Yes
Idaho	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Illinois	Yes, within 30 days of employment.
Indiana	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Iowa	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Kansas	No, but Leavenworth requires it.
Kentucky	No, but several counties do, and your employer may require it.
Louisiana	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Maine	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Maryland	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Massachusetts	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Michigan	No, but Lenawee County requires it, and your employer may require it.
Minnesota	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Mississippi	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Missouri	No, but several counties and cities require it.
Montana	No, but Sanders County requires a four-hour food safety training course.
Nebraska	No, but Lincoln-Lancaster County requires it.
Nevada	No, but Clark County — also known as the Southern Nevada District — does.
New Hampshire	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
New Jersey	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
New Mexico	Yes, within 30 days of employment.
New York	No, but Orleans County, Livingston County, and New York City require it.
North Carolina	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
North Dakota	No, but several counties require it with 30 days of employment.
Ohio	Yes, person in charge certification in food protection is required.
Oklahoma	No, but Norman, Moore, and Tulsa require it.
Oregon	Yes, within 30 days of employment.
Pennsylvania	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Rhode Island	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
South Carolina	Yes
South Dakota	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Tennessee	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Texas	Yes, within 30 days of employment.
Utah	Yes, within 30 days of employment.
Vermont	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Virginia	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Washington	Yes
West Virginia	Yes
Wisconsin	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.
Wyoming	No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it.

Food handler card requirements by state

Even if you’re not required to obtain a food handler card or certification, doing so is a relatively inexpensive way to make you stand out from your peers and may be justification for a pay raise.

Summary

States and some counties either require food handlers to take an approved food handler course to obtain a food handler card or they strongly recommend them.