Bethlehem, PA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

01 adopts, by reference, the current version of Title 7, Chapter 46, known as 'Food Code; Food Employee Certification,' with three certified copies kept on file in the City Clerk's office. Under that adoption, definitions, food establishment inspections, and the issuance, suspension and revocation of operating permits are all regulated according to the state Food Code as incorporated locally, and enforced by the City of Bethlehem, not just referenced. 02(a) lets the Bethlehem Health Department require any food establishment previously exempted under the Food Employee Certification Act to meet full certification requirements if the Environmental Director finds the establishment in constant violation of the PA Food Code, and that establishment must comply before it may keep operating in the city.

02(b) adds a local enforcement lever: the Health Department will not issue a Health License to any business delinquent on taxes, assessments, or any other municipal fee owed to the City or a City-created agency. 03(b). The current adoption traces to Ord. 2014-47 (12/16/2014) and was most recently amended by Ord. 2025-44, passed November 18, 2025.