San Diego County, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Certificate validity
- 3 years
- New-hire grace period
- 10 days
- Passing test score
- 80% or higher
- Training course length
- 3 hours
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated San Diego County food facility workers must hold a current food handler training certificate or pass a supervised food handler test within 10 days of hire.
Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section no person shall employ a person as a food handler in a food facility unless the food handler:
(1) has been issued a current food handler training certificate as provided in subsection (b) or (c) of this section, or (2) is supervised by a food safety certified owner or employee pursuant to the CRFC and has passed a food handler test, as described in subsection (d) below. A person may employ a food handler, however, who for the first ten days of employment has not passed the food handler test.
(b) A person the Director authorizes may issue a food handler training certificate to a person who successfully completes a three hour food sanitation training course and scores a grade of 80% or higher on a proficiency test, provided the Director approves the instructor, the course and the test. The person seeking authorization from the Department to issue certificates shall pay the fee specified in section 65.107 of this code. To be approved, the course of instruction shall include all of the following subjects:
(1) Major causes of foodborne illness.
(2) Time and temperature control of potentially hazardous foods.
(3) Proper employee health and hygiene practices.
(4) Methods to protect food from contamination.
(5) Required consumer advisories.
(6) Approved food sources.
(7) Washing and sanitizing of utensils and equipment.
(8) Pest control.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code Sec. 61.114 bars employing anyone as a food handler in a food facility without a current food handler training certificate, unless the worker is supervised by a certified food safety owner or employee and has passed a food handler test. New hires get a 10-day grace period before they must pass the test. Certificates come from a 3-hour, Director-approved sanitation course with an 80%+ proficiency score, and are valid for three years before renewal is required. This applies to food facilities in the unincorporated area; the City of San Diego and the county's 17 other incorporated cities run separately.
Violations & Fines
Employing an uncertified food handler beyond the 10-day grace period violates Sec. 61.114 and can trigger enforcement action against the facility's permit under the County Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a San Diego County food handler certificate valid?
Can a new employee start work before getting certified?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
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