Hutto, TX Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Hutto Code of Ordinances § 12.02.036(a) makes it "unlawful for any person operating any food establishment to work or employ a food handler until such food handler has received a food handler's registration certificate from the WCCHD that is valid during the time of such employment." To get certified, an applicant must complete a basic food sanitation class scheduled by the WCCHD environmental division director, or the food establishment can train its own staff after an employee completes a two-hour "Train the Trainer" class and then administers WCCHD's test on-site, or after a state-certified food protection manager submits a class outline and test copy to WCCHD.

Managers, assistant managers, and shift supervisors who hold the state food protection manager certification are exempt from the food handler card requirement but must post their state certification alongside employee cards. Once issued, the food handler card must be posted at the workplace where a health official can verify it under § 12.02.036(a)(3). This division adopts the state food establishment rules at 25 Texas Administrative Code chapter 229, §§ 229.161-229.171 and 229.173-229.175, and the WCCHD is defined as the "regulatory authority" under § 12.02.032. Section 12.02.033 backs certification up with an inspection regime: high-risk establishments get at least four inspections a year, and an establishment that racks up more than 30 demerits faces an "Unsatisfactory" placard, and on a second failure within 12 months, permit suspension and closure for at least 48 hours.