Middletown, OH Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Certification fee
- $30.00, Level One course
- Authority for requirement
- OAC § 3701-21-25
- Administering body
- Middletown Board of Health and Environment
- Related license fees
- $88-$1,008 by risk level
- License suspension trigger
- Clear/immediate danger to health
Summary
Middletown, Ohio charges a $30 fee for the Level One certification in food protection course required of food handlers working in food service operations and retail food establishments, set under City of Middletown Code of Ordinances § 1822.05. The Middletown Board of Health and Environment administers the fee under Ohio Administrative Code 3701-21-25.
There is hereby established a fee for a level one certification in food protection course for food handlers employed in food service operations and food establishments. The amount of the fee will be thirty dollars ($30.00) as established by the Middletown Board of Health and Environment in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-21-25.
Full Breakdown
00 fee for a Level One certification in food protection course taken by food handlers employed at food service operations and food establishments in the city. The fee is set by the Middletown Board of Health and Environment in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Section 3701-21-25, which is the state rule that actually creates the certification-in-food-protection requirement; Middletown's ordinance is the local mechanism that funds and administers the course fee for operators licensed within the city. 03 lets the Health Commissioner suspend a license when a violation presents a clear and present or immediate danger to public health.
03 that applies to other licensing failures. 04 also blocks the transfer of an existing license when a food establishment or operation is sold or relocated, requiring a fresh license and fee, including the certification fee, to be issued instead.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 1822 does not set its own local criminal penalty scale; § 1822.99 makes anyone who violates any provision of the chapter, including the certification fee requirement, subject to the penalties in the Ohio Revised Code. The Health Commissioner may separately suspend a food license under § 1822.03 when a violation, including staffing without current food protection certification, presents a danger to public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Middletown charge for food handler certification?
Who actually requires the food protection certification?
Can my restaurant's license be suspended for a certification problem?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Middletown
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