California requires food handlers to obtain an accredited Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire, and food facilities in Riverside County must keep records on-site available to county inspectors.
Under California Health and Safety Code 113948, all food employees who handle unpackaged food in restaurants and similar facilities must obtain a state-accredited Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire and renew every three years. Each food facility must also designate a Certified Food Protection Manager passing an ANSI-accredited exam. Riverside County Environmental Health verifies certificates during inspections and may downgrade placards for missing documentation. Cards from accredited providers like ServSafe and StateFoodSafety are accepted statewide. Records must be available within 60 minutes of inspector request.
Missing cards or untrained staff: major violation on inspection report, follow-up inspection fee, possible permit suspension.
See how Palm Springs's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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