Hampton, VA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Application fee
- $10.00
- Card term
- Up to two years
- Applies to
- Employees and mobile food operators
- Alternative
- Food service manager certificate, § 15-98
Summary
Anyone working in a Hampton food establishment must hold a valid food handler's card issued by the health authority, renewed every two years, unless they hold a food service manager certificate instead.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any employee who does not possess an unexpired or unrevoked food handler's card issued under this division to work in any food establishment in the city, unless such employee is required to have a food service manager certificate pursuant to section 15-98 or unless otherwise exempted by the health authority.(b)The operator of a mobile food service facility shall be required to obtain a food handler's card under this division, before operating any mobile food service facility within the city, unless the operator is required to have a food service manager certificate pursuant to section 15-98.(c)It shall be unlawful for any person operating a food establishment to employ any person to work therein, unless such person has a valid food handler's card issued under this division or a food service manager certificate pursuant to section 15-98, unless otherwise exempted by the health authority.(d)Anyone need a food handler's card shall make application to the health authority and pay the application fee of $10.00. (Ord. No. 484; Code 1964, §§ 33-16, 33-20, 33-80; Ord. No. 1439, 11-15-06; Ord. No. 16-0014, 8-10-16; Ord. No. 18-0006, 6-13-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton City Code § 15-86 makes it unlawful for any food-establishment employee to work without an unexpired food handler's card, and equally unlawful for an operator to employ anyone without one, unless the worker instead holds a food service manager certificate under § 15-98. Mobile food service facility operators need the card too before operating in the city. Application goes to the health authority with a $10 fee; the card stays valid up to two years (§ 15-88) and must be posted at the workplace along with a full employee list (§ 15-89).
Violations & Fines
Working or employing someone without a valid card violates Chapter 15's general penalty (§ 15-2): a Class 3 misdemeanor, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do food truck workers need a food handler's card too?
How long does a Hampton food handler's card last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
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