Anyone who works with unpackaged food in a Mesa restaurant, bar, deli, or food truck must hold a Maricopa County food handler card within 30 days of hire, plus an ANSI-accredited Person in Charge certification on each shift.
Maricopa County Environmental Services requires every Mesa food worker who handles, prepares, or serves unpackaged food to obtain a county food handler card within 30 days of hire and renew every three years. The card is earned by passing an approved online course in English or Spanish. Each shift must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (PIC) on duty, holding ANSI-accredited credentials such as ServSafe. Mesa business license issuance under Title 7 is conditioned on county food permit compliance, and inspectors verify cards on visit. Mobile food trucks operating in Mesa parks and event venues must produce cards on demand.
Employing uncarded food handlers, missing the certified manager on shift, or letting cards lapse can result in inspection citations, suspended food permits, and Mesa business license actions.
Mesa, AZ
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Mesa, AZ
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