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

Sec. 32-26 sets two overlapping certification tiers. First, Sec. 32-26(a) requires a certified food protection manager on duty at all times at each permitted food establishment, certified by passing an exam approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services and the city's regulatory authority; temporary establishments and outlets selling only prepackaged, non-time-and-temperature-controlled foods are exempt. Sec. 32-26(b) requires a certified manager for each section of a larger establishment, and the city can require more managers to cover every food preparation and service area. Second, and separately, Sec.

32-26(d) requires every food employee, not just the manager, to complete a food handler class approved by the state health department within 15 days of hire. Establishments handling only pre-packaged food need at least one certified food handler on duty during business hours rather than a full manager certification, under Sec. 32-26(f). Temporary establishments and concession stands must keep one certified food handler on duty during all operating hours and submit that certificate with the temporary permit application under Sec. 32-26(e). If a certified manager leaves or transfers, the establishment has 15 days to replace that person under Sec.

32-26(c), and on any change of ownership the new operator must show the city, within 15 days, that the required number of certified managers will be on duty under Sec. 32-26(g). Proof of manager certification must be on file before the city will issue the food establishment permit at all, per Sec. 32-26(h), and Sec. 32-24(i) requires certificates and food handler cards to be available on-site for inspection at all times.