Lincoln, NE Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit types
- Serve/clean, prep/cook, manager, protection manager
- Valid term
- Two years from issuance
- Issued by
- Health Director, after training and testing
- Transferable
- No: tied to the individual
Summary
Lincoln requires food establishment employees to hold a valid food handler or food manager permit, issued by the Health Director only after completing an approved training and testing program.
An application for a food handler or a food manager permit shall be submitted to the Health Director on a form provided by the Health Director. Each application shall include: 1. The applicant’s full name, date of birth, current mailing address, and telephone; 2. The signature of the applicant; 3. Verification of successfully completing the required food handler training course applicable to the permit; and 4. Such other pertinent information as requested on such form.
b. Before a food handler or a food manager permit application can be approved, the applicant shall successfully complete a training and testing program as required by the Lincoln Food Code. (Ord. 19925 §15; March 23, 2009).
https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/lincoln-ne/doc-viewer.aspx#secid-6263
547/1518
8/11/26, 11:58 PM
Document Viewer | Municipal Code
Full Breakdown
The Lincoln Municipal Code requires anyone serving, cleaning, preparing, or managing food at a food establishment to hold the applicable permit, serve/clean, prep/cook, restricted/shift manager, or food protection manager, under Section 8.20.195. To get one, an applicant submits a form to the Health Director with identifying information and verification of completing the required food handler training course, then must successfully complete a training and testing program before the Health Director approves the permit (Section 8.20.197). Permits run two years from issuance and cannot be transferred between individuals (Section 8.20.220).
Violations & Fines
A food establishment permit holder who lets staff work without the required food handler or food manager permits risks enforcement action, and Section 8.20.220 makes noncompliance grounds for suspension of the food establishment's own permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a food handler permit in Lincoln?
How long does a Lincoln food handler permit last?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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