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

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 week ago|Source: Fairfax County Health Department →

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Key Facts

Citation: 12VAC5-421-55
Validity: Five years
Approved exams: ServSafe Prometric NRFSP
Line worker card: Not required

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

Fairfax restaurants must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff under the Virginia Food Regulations. Fairfax does not require county-specific food handler cards for line workers.

Full Breakdown

Under 12VAC5-421-55 of the Virginia Food Regulations, every food establishment in Fairfax County must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has passed an ANSI-accredited examination such as ServSafe, Prometric, or NRFSP. Certification is good for five years. Unlike some California or Texas jurisdictions, Virginia and Fairfax County do not require individual food handler cards for line cooks, servers, or dishwashers. The Fairfax County Health Department verifies the manager certificate during routine inspections. Mobile food units, food trucks, and temporary event food vendors are subject to the same manager requirement when handling time and temperature controlled foods.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a Certified Food Protection Manager is a priority foundation violation that can trigger reinspection fees, permit suspension, and orders to cease food service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do food trucks in Fairfax need a Certified Food Protection Manager?

Yes. Mobile food units handling time and temperature controlled foods must have a CFPM, just like brick-and-mortar restaurants under Virginia code.

Does Fairfax issue its own food handler card?

No. Virginia relies on ANSI-accredited national certifications and does not require individual line-worker cards beyond the manager credential.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

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