Austin, TX Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- 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
Summary
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.
Sec. 438.046. LIST OF ACCREDITED PROGRAMS. (a) The department shall maintain a registry of course programs accredited under this subchapter. (b) A food service worker trained in a course for the employees of a single entity is considered to have met a local health jurisdiction's training, testing, and permitting requirements only as to food service performed for that entity. (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.
Full Breakdown
Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 438 (the Food Handler Education Act) requires anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment, or utensils to complete a Texas Department of State Health Services accredited food handler course within sixty days of hire. The card is valid for two years statewide. Austin additionally requires each food establishment to employ at least one Certified Food Manager who has passed an ANSI-accredited exam, with the original certificate posted on premises under Chapter 10-3 and Texas Food Establishment Rules. During Austin Public Health inspection, missing or expired credentials are critical violations affecting the inspection score. Mobile food units, school cafeterias, and temporary event vendors are also covered. Online courses are widely accepted if state-accredited.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Certified Food Manager, employing untrained food handlers past the sixty-day window, or displaying expired certificates results in critical inspection violations, score deductions, mandatory reinspection, and fines up to two thousand dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Texas food handler card?
Does every Austin employee need a manager certificate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Austin to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
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