Under Texas Health and Safety Code §438.046, every food employee in Houston must obtain an accredited food handler certificate within 60 days of hire. Cards are valid for two years and enforced by Houston Health Department inspectors.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438, the Texas Food Handler Education Act, requires food employees in retail food establishments to complete an accredited food handler training program within 60 days of employment. Programs must be accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services and typically take 90 minutes. Certificates remain valid for two years statewide. Employers must keep training records on file and produce them on request. Houston Health Department enforces the rule during routine retail food inspections under City Code Chapter 20. Owners and certified Food Manager certificate holders under §438.041 face separate certification rules requiring a national exam every five years.
Operating with uncertified food handlers can result in inspection citations, mandatory training, and reinspection fees from Houston Health Department; repeat violations may escalate to suspension of the food establishment permit.
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