Food Handler Certification: Austin vs Pflugerville
How do food handler certification rules compare between Austin, TX and Pflugerville, TX?
Austin and Pflugerville have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
The Texas Food Handler Education Act requires food employees to complete a state-approved food handler course within sixty days of hire. Austin City Code Chapter 10-3 requires every food establishment to employ at least one Certified Food Manager with credential posted on premises.
View full Austin rules →Pflugerville, TX
Travis County
Texas requires food employees to complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire, and Travis County food permits are conditioned on staff holding current certificates from a DSHS-approved program.
View full Pflugerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Pflugerville |
|---|---|---|
| State law | TX H&S Code Chapter 438 | - |
| Handler card validity | Two years | - |
| Manager exam | ANSI-accredited required | - |
| Posting | Manager certificate on site | - |
| New hire window | Within 60 days | - |
| Statute | - | TX HSC 438.046 |
| Grace period | - | 60 days from hire |
| Validity | - | Two years |
| Local add-ons | - | Preempted by state |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
How do I get a Texas food handler card?
Complete a Texas DSHS accredited online or in-person course, typically two hours and ten to fifteen dollars. The card is valid statewide for two years and accepted by Austin Public Health during inspections.
Does every Austin employee need a manager certificate?
No. Each Austin food establishment needs at least one Certified Food Manager on staff with the ANSI-accredited credential posted. Other employees only need the basic food handler card within sixty days of hire.
Pflugerville FAQ
Who has to be certified?
All food employees who handle unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or food-contact surfaces in a permitted establishment must complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days.
Can Travis County require more training?
No. Texas HSC 438.046 preempts local rules that exceed the state baseline. Travis County enforces the state requirement but cannot mandate additional county-specific training.
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