Independence, MO Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Section 11.10.002 requires every food service worker, and their employer, who prepares, handles or dispenses food, or contacts food or food-prep utensils, to obtain a food handler permit within 15 calendar days of starting that work. The permit issues after completing a City Health Department training course, or an approved alternate course, plus payment of the fee; it is valid for three years and must be renewed. The permit must be carried while working and shown to the Health Authority on demand; employees and employers dealing only with packaged foods, and unpaid non-profit concession volunteers, are exempt.