Alexandria, VA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Section 11-2-24 of the Alexandria City Code, "Food protection manager certificate," makes it unlawful to operate a food establishment unless it is under the immediate control of a person holding a valid certificate identifying them as a Food Protection Manager. The Director may exempt establishments posing minimal risk: one that sells only commercially prepackaged food in unopened packaging is exempt if it measures and logs its refrigeration unit temperatures at least twice a day, and one that does not prepare time/temperature control for safety food is exempt if it runs a documented quarterly employee training program covering hand washing, employee health policy and proper utensil sanitizing.

Section 11-2-25 sets the certification process: an applicant applies in writing to the Director, who may designate a private vendor to administer the exam, and a certificate is issued only after the applicant passes an exam from a program accredited by the Conference for Food Protection. The certificate bears the holder's photograph, is non-transferable, and is valid for five years from the date the applicant is notified of passing. Renewal requires passing another accredited exam before the five years expire, and anyone whose certificate was revoked or suspended in the prior five years must retake and pass the exam before reapplying.

Operating without both the underlying food establishment permit (§ 11-2-21) and the required manager certificate exposes the establishment to permit suspension without notice if the Director finds an imminent health hazard under § 11-2-26, or closure under § 11-2-29, enforced by the city sheriff until compliance is proven and the Director rescinds the order in writing.