The New Californian Food Handler Card Law

The California Food Handler Card Law will go into effect January 1, 2012. The Card issued for the California Food Handler Law will be valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.

The definition of a Food Handler includes most restaurant employees such as the wait staff, chefs, cooks, bussers, bartenders, dishwashers, supervisory personnel and host/hostess who handle food. The law applies to both salaried and hourly food handlers.

To receive the California Food Handler Card, a food handler must take a course and examination that meets the requirements of the Conference for Food Protection “Standards for Accreditation of Food Protection Managers.”

The following courses and examinations are approved:

1.      National Restaurant Association (Serv Safe California Food Handler Program)

2.      National Registry for Food Safety Professionals

3.      Prometric

The California Food Handler Card is valid in all locations of California except Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.

The course must be a minimum of 2½ hours in length followed by an accredited American National Standards Institute examination of a minimum of 40 questions. Successful completion of the examination requires a passing score of 70% or higher.

The California Food Handler Card must be obtained before January 1, 2012 for those who are presently employed as Food Handlers. Food Handlers hired after January 1, 2012 must obtain the Card within 30 days of hiring.

Employers are responsible to maintain records documenting that each food handler possesses a valid California Food Handler Card.

California law does not require employers to pay for the food handler course or examination. The Food Handler Card is the property of the employee.

The California Food Handler Course will provide food safety information in six categories:

1.      Foodborne Illness

2.      Time and Temperature Controls

3.      Personal Hygiene

4.      Prevention of Food Contamination

5.      Cleaning and Sanitizing Procedures

6.      Cross Contamination, Housekeeping and Sanitary Facility Maintenance

One (1) online course is available through Serv Safe at a fee of $15.00.

Each individual or organization approved as an instructor/provider, may determine the cost of their products and services.

Mr. Food Safety® (dba) Hospitality Consultants of America will conduct the course and examination on-site at your facility or at our facility:

Hospitality Consultants of America

716 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite G

Pacific Grove, California 93950

*Attendees must call 831-375-2591 or email mrfoodsafety@aol.com to pre-register.

The course and examination will be available in English and Spanish.

The course and examination fee of $59.00 per attendee can be paid individually or by the sponsoring organization.

All course material and the examination are included in the fee.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Eat Well And Be Safe,

Abraham Wilson

Mr. Food Safety®