Edison, NJ Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Compliance deadline
- Within 1 year of hire
- Course approval
- Division of Health-approved
- Exception
- Pre-cooked, peeled, or sealed food
- Governing section
- § 12-13.4
Summary
Edison Township requires every food handler and food-service supervisor to complete a Division of Health-approved food handling course within one year of starting the job.
Every food handler and every person who is charged with supervision of the operations of a restaurant or other eating place shall successfully complete, within one (1) year of the commencement of his employment, a course in food handling acceptable to the Division of Health.
b. The Health Officer may, at his or her discretion, when found necessary, require such persons to attend supplementary courses.
c. No restaurant or other eating place shall employ a food handler or a supervisor in charge of its operation unless he complies with paragraph a. above.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904708; v19 updated 2026-03-25; through 03-25-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 12-13.4 requires every food handler and every person supervising a restaurant or other eating place to successfully complete a course in food handling acceptable to the Division of Health within one year of starting employment. The Health Officer may also require supplementary courses at his or her discretion. No restaurant or eating place may employ an uncertified food handler or supervisor, per § 12-13.4(c). The rule doesn't apply to handlers of food that is ordinarily cooked or peeled before eating, or that comes sealed in cans or packages, under the § 12-13.5 exception.
Violations & Fines
Employing a food handler or supervisor who hasn't completed the required course violates § 12-13.4(c), enforced through the Division of Health's oversight of the establishment's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all restaurant employees need a food handling course in Edison?
Can a restaurant employ someone without the course?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edison
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