Long Beach, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Card validity
- Three years
- Manager certificate
- Five years
- State law
- CA SB 602
- Deadline
- 30 days from hire
Summary
Every food employee in Long Beach must obtain a state-approved food handler card within thirty days of hire and a certified food protection manager must be on staff at each food facility under California state law.
Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired on or after June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card within 30 days after the date of hire. Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of the food handler's employment as a food handler. Food handler cards shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance, regardless of whether the food handler changes employers during that period.
Full Breakdown
California Senate Bill 602 (2010) requires all food handlers in restaurants, bars, and similar facilities to complete an ANSI-accredited training program and pass an exam within thirty days of hire. The card is valid for three years. Separately, each food facility must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager whose certificate is renewed every five years. Long Beach Environmental Health verifies cards during routine inspections; missing or expired cards count as violations on the inspection report and can lower the letter grade. Cards from approved providers are portable across California employers.
Violations & Fines
Operating without required food handler cards or a certified manager can result in inspection deductions affecting the A/B/C grade, administrative citations, and in repeated cases suspension of the health permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my LA County food handler card work in Long Beach?
Are unpaid volunteers required to have cards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California public health rules overview
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Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle food handler certification.