California Food Handler Card Requirements
Last verified: September 19, 2026
Always confirm current requirements with the linked regulator before relying on this page. The regulator is the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Food and Drug Branch.
Deadline & validity
- 30 days after hire statewide. San Diego County shortens this to 10 days under its own separate program.
- Card valid 3 years.
- Accreditation required: ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), formerly ANSI, per the California Retail Food Code.
Who pays
Since SB 476 took effect January 1, 2024, employers must pay all training/exam costs and pay the employee for time spent, and cannot require having a card as a hiring condition.
Governing law & regulator
Cal. Health & Safety Code section 113947.1 et seq. ("California Food Handler Card Law," originally SB 602/SB 303); SB 476 (2023) amending section 113948.
Regulator: California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Food and Drug Branch.
Who is exempt
- Employees holding a valid Food Protection Manager certificate.
- Grocery stores, except separately owned food facilities located inside them.
- Certified farmers' markets and temporary food facilities.
- Licensed health care facilities and school cafeterias, subject to local rules.
County exceptions
These three counties run separate programs and do not accept the statewide card at all.
- San Diego County: own program under County Code section 61.114; statewide card not accepted; 10-day deadline; 3-year validity. Source: San Diego County DEHQ Food Handler Program.
- San Bernardino County: own program, statewide card not accepted. Source: county food safety program information.
- Riverside County: own program under County Ordinance No. 567, statewide card not accepted. Same source as San Bernardino: county food safety program information.