Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Fort Worth

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

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State authority
TX H&S Code Ch. 438
Compliance window
60 days after hire
Cert validity
Two years
Manager rule
One CFM per establishment
Inspector
FW Consumer Health

Summary

Texas Food Handler Education Act requires anyone who handles unpackaged food to complete an accredited food handler training course within sixty days of hire. Fort Worth restaurants must keep certificates on file for inspection by Consumer Health.

Sec. 438.041. DEFINITION. In this subchapter: ... (2) "Food handler" means a food service employee who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces. Sec. 438.042. DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONER.

Source: Fort Worth City CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438, the state Food Handler Education Act requires food employees who handle unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces to complete an accredited food handler course within sixty days of hire. Courses are short, online, inexpensive, and approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Certificates remain valid for two years. Fort Worth restaurants, grocery delis, food trucks, and concession operators must maintain copies of each worker's certificate on site and produce them on request. The Texas Food Establishment Rules also require at least one Certified Food Manager per establishment, a separate higher-tier credential earned by passing an ANSI-accredited exam.

Violations & Fines

Employing uncertified food handlers beyond sixty days, lacking certificates on site, or operating without a Certified Food Manager triggers municipal citations, scoring deductions on health inspections, and potential permit suspension under Fort Worth Code Chapter 16 and state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a Texas Food Handler certificate in Fort Worth?
Anyone who handles unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces in a permitted food establishment. Cooks, servers, bartenders, and prep workers all qualify. Certificates must be obtained within sixty days of hire under state law.
How much does the Texas Food Handler course cost?
State-accredited online courses typically cost between seven and fifteen dollars and take roughly ninety minutes. Certificates are valid for two years statewide and accepted by Fort Worth Consumer Health and other Texas jurisdictions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Worth

Syringe DisposalLight RestrictionsRodent ControlLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSome Restrictions

All Fort Worth rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview

Get notified when Food Handler Certification in Fort Worth, TX changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Tarrant County handle food handler certification.

Arlington, TX
Light Restrictions