Hackensack, NJ Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Section 90-68 of the mobile food vendor ordinance (Article X of Chapter 90, adopted 1-14-2020 by Ord. No. 42-2019) sets the application standard the Department of Health uses before issuing a mobile food vendor license. Before issuing a license, the Department must obtain whatever information and documentation it judges necessary to confirm the applicant is prepared to meet the requirements of the New Jersey State Sanitary Code and is capable of safe, sanitary operation. Concretely, the applicant must provide documentation that at least one person working for the mobile food vendor is a certified food protection manager, or holds a food handler's certificate from an organization the State of New Jersey recognizes to provide certified food protection manager training.

This certification requirement is specific to the mobile food vendor licensing article; the staged Hackensack code does not carry a separate, general food handler certification mandate reaching every fixed restaurant, deli or catering hall in the city, which instead operate under the New Jersey State Sanitary Code and Health Department inspection authority found elsewhere in Chapter 90. If the mobile vendor uses a vehicle, Section 90-68 also requires proof of ownership and at least $500,000 in general liability insurance before the Department will inspect and approve the vehicle for use.