Public Health Rules in San Francisco, CA (2026)
7 verified public health rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
San Francisco Department of Public Health inspects food facilities at least twice yearly and posts inspection results online, though SF uses numeric scoring rather than letter grades like LA County.
SF Restaurant Inspection Score Posting
Some RestrictionsRodent Control
SF Health Code Articles 11 and 26 require property owners to keep premises free of rats and mice, and the Department of Public Health may issue abatement orders or perform work and lien costs to the property.
SF Rodent Abatement and Property Owner Duties
Some RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
California Civil Code Section 1954.603 plus SF Health Code habitability rules require landlords to disclose known bed bug infestations, prohibit retaliation, and respond to tenant reports with licensed professional treatment.
SF Bed Bug Disclosure and Landlord Treatment Duty
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 1954.603 (Bed Bug Disclosure — Written Notice Required Before New Tenancy)
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 bu...
Syringe Disposal
SF DPH operates one of the nation's largest syringe services programs under California Health and Safety Code 121349, distributing free sharps containers and operating drop boxes citywide to reduce improper disposal.
SF Syringe Access and Safe Disposal Program
Few RestrictionsHealthy Food Retail
SF Administrative Code Chapter 59 created the Healthy Food Retailer Initiative, providing financial assistance and technical help for corner stores in food-access-vulnerable neighborhoods to stock fresh produce and reduce tobacco and alcohol footprint.
SF Healthy Food Retailer Ordinance and Tenderloin Incentives
Few RestrictionsCalorie Labeling
Chain restaurants in SF with 20 or more locations must post calorie counts on menus and menu boards under federal FDA rules adopted in 2018, with California enforcement through Health and Safety Code Section 114094.
SF Menu Labeling Under Federal and State Rules
Some Restrictions21 CFR 101.11 (FDA Menu Labeling — Calorie Disclosure for Chains with 20+ Locations)
§ 101.11 Nutrition labeling of standard menu items in covered establishments. (a) Definitions... Covered establishment means a restaurant or similar retail food establishment that is a part of a chain with 20 or more locations doing business under the same name (regardless of the type of ownership, e.g., individual franchises) and offering for sale substantially the same menu items... (b)(2)(i)...
Food Handler Certification
California Senate Bill 602 requires all SF food employees to obtain a state-approved Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire, and at least one Certified Food Protection Manager must be on staff per facility under Health and Safety Code 113947.
SF Food Handler Card and Manager Certification
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sec. 113948 (Food Handler Card — 30-Day Deadline, Three-Year Validity)
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...