Multnomah County, OR Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Certificate deadline
- 30 days from hire
- Certificate term
- Expires after 3 years
- Must carry
- Certificate on person or premises
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
- Authority
- Delegated from ORS Chapter 624
Summary
Multnomah County requires anyone handling food in a licensed food establishment countywide, including Portland, to hold a valid food handler's certificate within 30 days of hire, keep it on hand, and have it posted for review.
(A) No owner of a public eating place shall continue to employ a food handler after 30 days from the date of hire without the food handler having a valid food handler's certificate.
(B) No person shall perform work as a food handler without having procured a food handler's certificate within the first 30 days of employment.
(C) All employers shall post all food handler certificates or a photocopy of any certificate provided they have seen the original certificate, in one central location for review by the department.
Penalty, see § 21.999 (‘ 90 Code, § 8.30.050, 07/01/1998; Ord. 869, passed, 10/24/1996; Ord. 152, passed, 02/01/1977; Ord. 124, passed, 05/06/1976)
Full Breakdown
County Code § 21.601 bars any public eating place from employing a food handler more than 30 days after hire without a valid food handler's certificate, and bars anyone from working as a food handler without one obtained in the same 30-day window. The certificate must stay on the handler's person or on premises at all times (§ 21.602), and employers must post certificates or copies for the county's review (§ 21.601(C)). Certificates come from a county-approved food safety course (§ 21.603) covering foodborne illness, hygiene, cross-contamination and sanitation, expire after three years (§ 21.606), and the health officer can order a physical exam if a pathogen risk is suspected (§ 21.607).
Violations & Fines
Violating the food handler certificate rules is a misdemeanor under § 21.999, punishable by a fine up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Multnomah County rule apply inside Portland?
How do I get a Multnomah County food handler's certificate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.