Fairfax County, VA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

2-1-4. 12(A) into a local mandate: a food establishment cannot legally operate unless a certified food protection manager is in immediate control. The code gives two paths to certification: passing an exam that is part of a nationally accredited program, or passing a test administered directly by the county's regulatory authority (the Department of Health) for issuance of a "limited food manager" certificate. 20(B) so that any manager certified through a program accredited by a Conference for Food Protection-recognized agency is automatically deemed compliant. The chapter separately defines a lower tier, "Basic Food Safety Handler," for general employees or members of the public who complete the county's Food Safety Training School, a minimum 90-minute course approved by the division director; that training is distinct from, and does not substitute for, the manager certification required to operate.

2-1-4(A). Permit suspension or revocation for noncompliance goes through a director-level hearing, with written notice and a right to present evidence and counsel, and a final decision appealable per the incorporated Food Code sections.