Bernalillo County, NM Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Deadline to obtain card
- 30 days from hire
- Card validity
- 3 years
- Must be
- carried while working
- Exemption
- current food safety manager cert
Summary
Bernalillo County requires every food employee to pass an approved food handler training test and hold a valid food handler card, obtained within 30 days of starting work at a food establishment.
(a) Food employee shall demonstrate their knowledge of safe food handling practices through passing a test from a food handler training program approved by the regulatory authority and possess a valid food handler card; (1) Individuals who do not possess a valid food handler card prior to employment as a food employee shall obtain such card within 30 calendar days from the beginning of employment; ... (4) Food handler cards shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 42-303 of the county's Food Code amendments, food employees must demonstrate safe food handling knowledge by passing a test from a regulatory-authority-approved training program and carrying a valid food handler card. New hires get 30 calendar days from their start date to obtain the card, which must stay on their person while working, with a copy on file with the employer for inspection. Cards are valid three years. Employees holding a current food safety manager certificate are exempt, and an employer's own approved training program can substitute if repeated every three years.
Violations & Fines
Working as a food employee without a valid card, or past the 30-day grace period after hire, violates Sec. 42-303 and is subject to enforcement by the county's environmental health authority during inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Bernalillo County food workers need a card?
How long does a Bernalillo County food handler card last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
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