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Dallas, TX Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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 and Dallas Code Chapter 17 require food employees to complete a state-approved food handler course and at least one Certified Food Manager per establishment to maintain valid credentials.

Sec. 438.102. CERTIFICATION PROGRAM. (a) The executive commissioner shall establish a certification program for food managers in accordance with this subchapter.(b) The executive commissioner by rule shall prescribe the requirements for issuance and renewal of a food manager certificate under this subchapter. Added by

Source: Dallas City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 438 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. Dallas 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. During 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?
Complete a Texas DSHS accredited online or in-person course, typically two hours and ten to fifteen dollars. The card is valid statewide for two years and accepted by Dallas Code Compliance during inspections.
Does every employee need a manager certificate?
No. Each Dallas food establishment needs at least one Certified Food Manager on staff with the ANSI-accredited credential posted. Other employees only need the basic food handler card within sixty days of hire.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Dallas

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All Dallas rules

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Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Dallas County handle food handler certification.

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Carrollton, TX
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