Dallas County, TX Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX H&S Code Chapter 438
- Handler card validity
- Two years statewide
- Manager exam
- ANSI-accredited required
- New hire window
- Within 60 days
- Inspector
- DCHHS Environmental Health
Summary
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires food handlers to complete an accredited course within sixty days of hire. DCHHS verifies cards and Certified Food Manager credentials during inspections in unincorporated Dallas County and contract cities.
Sec. 438.046. LIST OF ACCREDITED PROGRAMS. ... (b-1) A food service worker trained in a food handler training course that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute or that is accredited by the department and listed with the registry is considered to have met a local health jurisdiction's training, testing, and permitting requirements. A local health jurisdiction may require a food establishment ... to maintain on the premises ... a certificate of completion of the training course for employees ... (c) A local health jurisdiction may not charge a fee or require or issue a local food handler card for a certificate issued to a food service worker who provides proof of completion of an accredited course described by Subsection (b-1).
Full Breakdown
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 obligates 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 statewide. State rules also require each food establishment to employ at least one Certified Food Manager who has passed an ANSI-accredited exam, with the certificate posted on premises. DCHHS Environmental Health checks both during routine inspections in unincorporated areas and contract cities, treating missing or expired credentials as critical violations affecting score and triggering reinspection. Mobile food units, school cafeterias, and temporary event vendors must also comply.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Certified Food Manager, employing untrained handlers past sixty days, or displaying expired certificates results in critical inspection violations, score deductions, mandatory reinspection fees, and potential permit suspension by DCHHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Texas food handler card?
Does every food worker need the manager certificate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas County to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.