Oklahoma City, OK Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- OKC Code § 21-353
- Certificate term
- Valid three years
- Renewal
- 3-hour update course
- Exam score needed
- 75 of 100 points
- Exempt
- Prepackaged-food-only, temporary vendors
Summary
Oklahoma City requires every food service establishment to employ at least one certified food service operator, trained in safe food handling and sanitation, on-site at all times.
it shall be unlawful for any person owning, operating or managing any food service establishment within the City to fail to employ or fail to keep in his employment at least one certified food service operator who is a full-time supervisory personnel employee of said establishment and who has a valid and current food service operator's certificate as issued by the Director or his authorized representative. A certified operator must be an on-site employee and only use his/her certificate at that location.
(Ord. No. 17550, § 1(16-140), 2-21-84; Code 1980, § 21-236)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 21-353 makes it unlawful for anyone owning, operating, or managing a food service establishment in Oklahoma City to go without at least one certified food service operator on staff, a full-time supervisory employee holding a valid certificate. Certification under § 21-356 requires completing an approved course and scoring 75 of 100 on a written exam, or presenting an FDA-recognized reciprocal credential. Certificates run three years and renew with a three-hour update course. Establishments selling only prepackaged food or beverages, or temporary vendors, are exempt unless repeated violations trigger the requirement. Certificates must be posted on-site and cannot be transferred to another person.
Violations & Fines
Running a food service establishment without a certified operator, letting the certificate lapse, or missing the 10-day notice after an operator leaves is a City offense, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every OKC restaurant need a certified food handler?
How long does an Oklahoma City food handler certificate last?
What happens if the certified operator quits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
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Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle food handler certification.