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

Section 13-20(l) requires every employee whose job touches food, food-contact utensils or food-service equipment to complete an accredited food handler course, either ANSI-accredited or approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services, within 30 days of starting work in a food service, drinking, or food manufacturing establishment; an employee who misses that window 'shall not be allowed to continue his or her employment' unless they already hold a food manager certificate. 00 to replace a lost certificate, and current certificates must be kept on-site and available for inspection; when an employee leaves, the employer must return the certificate to that person because it remains their property.

Owners, managers and persons in charge must produce documentation of an employee's dates of employment on request so the city can verify the 30-day clock. Beyond the individual handler card, subsection (l)(5) requires at least one certified food manager (CFM) on duty at each location, someone who has passed a DSHS-approved exam through an accredited training program or licensed test site and can demonstrate knowledge of the Texas Food Establishment Rules to an inspector. New establishments, those under new ownership, or those whose CFM has transferred or resigned get 30 days to bring in a replacement. , Health and Safety Code ch. 438, subch. D substitutes for the local food handler course.