Arlington, TX Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Tex. HSC Chapter 438
- Card validity
- Two years
- Deadline
- Within 60 days of hire
- Manager credential
- Separate CFPM required
Summary
All Arlington food-service workers must hold a Texas Department of State Health Services accredited food-handler card within 60 days of hire under Texas Health and Safety Code §438.
Sec. 438.046. LIST OF ACCREDITED PROGRAMS. ...(b-1) A food service worker trained in a food handler training course that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute or that is accredited by the department and listed with the registry is considered to have met a local health jurisdiction's training, testing, and permitting requirements. A local health jurisdiction may require a food establishment, as that term is defined by Section 438.101, to maintain on the premises of the food establishment a certificate of completion of the training course for employees of the food establishment.
Full Breakdown
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires food employees in Arlington restaurants, food trucks, school cafeterias, and other food establishments to complete an accredited food-handler course within 60 days of starting work. Cards are valid for two years and must be available for inspection. Tarrant County Public Health verifies cards during routine inspections of Arlington establishments. Approved courses are listed on the DSHS website and run roughly $7 to $15 online. Managers must hold a separate Certified Food Protection Manager credential under Texas Food Establishment Rules. Cities cannot impose stricter local certification beyond the state framework.
Violations & Fines
Operating with uncertified food employees results in inspection demerits, possible permit suspension, and re-inspection fees from Tarrant County Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Dallas food handler card work in Arlington?
Are volunteers exempt from the food handler card?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
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Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle food handler certification.