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Public Health Rules in Berkeley, CA (2026)

7 verified public health rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Restaurant Grade Cards

Alameda County Environmental Health inspects Berkeley restaurants under the California Retail Food Code, posts pass or conditional-pass placards, and publishes detailed inspection scores online for public review before dining.

Alameda County Inspection Reports for Berkeley Restaurants

Some Restrictions

Rodent Control

Berkeley property owners must keep buildings, yards, and trash storage free of rodent harborage. Alameda County Vector Control District inspects complaints and can order corrective abatement at the owner's cost.

Berkeley Rodent and Vector Control Standards

Some Restrictions

Bed-Bug Rules

California Civil Code section 1954.603 requires Berkeley landlords to provide written bed bug information at lease signing, prohibits renting infested units, and requires prompt response when tenants report sightings.

Berkeley Landlord Bed Bug Disclosure Duties

Some Restrictions

Cal. Civil Code § 1954.603

On and after July 1, 2017, prior to creating a new tenancy for a dwelling unit, a landlord shall provide a written notice to the prospective tenant as provided in this section. This notice shall be provided to all other tenants by January 1, 2018. The notice shall be in at least 10-point type and shall include, but is not limited to, the following: (a) General information about bed bug identifi...

Syringe Disposal

California Medical Waste Management Act bans home sharps from regular trash. Berkeley residents must use approved sharps containers and drop them at participating pharmacies, transfer stations, or city-supported events.

Berkeley Sharps and Syringe Disposal Rules

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 117671

"Home-generated sharps waste" means hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a household, including a multifamily residence or household.

Healthy Food Retail

Berkeley voters passed Measure D in 2014, making Berkeley the first US city to enact a sugar-sweetened beverage tax. Distributors pay one cent per fluid ounce on sodas, sports drinks, and sweetened teas sold in Berkeley.

Berkeley Soda Tax: First US Sugary Drinks Levy

Some Restrictions

Calorie Labeling

Chain restaurants in Berkeley with 20 or more US locations must post calorie counts next to menu items, following the federal FDA menu labeling rule embedded in the California Retail Food Code that Alameda County enforces.

Calorie Labeling at Berkeley Chain Restaurants

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114094

(a) A food facility subject to Section 343(q)(5)(H) of Title 21 of the United States Code or subject to this section as it read on July 1, 2011, shall comply with the requirements of that section of the United States Code and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto. (b) Notwithstanding the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law (Part 5 (commencing with Section 109875) of Division 104), and to th...

Food Handler Certification

California Senate Bill 602 requires every food handler in a Berkeley restaurant to obtain an ANSI-accredited Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire and renew every three years. Alameda County Environmental Health verifies during inspections.

Food Handler Certification for Berkeley Workers

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 113948

(a) (1) Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired on or after June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card within 30 days after the date of hire. Each food handler shall maintain a valid...

Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.

Public Health Rules in Alameda County