Los Angeles, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

(a) (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) A food handler card shall be recognized throughout the state, except in jurisdictions described in subdivision (f). (b) (1) Prior to January 1, 2012, a food handler may obtain a food handler card from either one of the following: (A) An American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited training provider that meets ASTM International E2659-09 Standard Practice for Certificate Programs. (B) A food protection manager certification organization described in Section 113947.3. (2) Commencing January 1, 2012, a food handler shall obtain a food handler card only from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited training provider that meets ASTM International E2659-09 Standard Practice for Certificate Programs. (3) A food handler card shall be issued only upon successful completion of a food handler training course and examination that meets at least all of the following requirements: (A) (i) The course provides basic, introductory instruction on the elements of knowledge described in subdivisions (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) of Section 113947.2. (B) The course and examination is designed to be completed within approximately two and one-half hours. (C) The examination consists of at least 40 questions regarding the required subject matter. (D) A minimum score of 70 percent on the examination is required to successfully complete the examination.