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

The certification rule sits in the licensing section for mobile food vending vehicles. Section 12.42.070(B)(4) lists, among the documents a mobile food vendor must submit and maintain with its City business license application, a food handling permit or satisfactory certificate of completion of a food safety course. The requirement does not stop at the paperwork. An individual who has a food handling permit or certificate of completion of a food safety course must be present at all times when the vending vehicle is open, so a truck cannot serve customers while the credentialed person is away.

The same list requires a valid Los Angeles County Department of Public Health permit, a valid California reseller's permit, a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and a $1,000,000 commercial general liability certificate. The vendor must keep all of these in its possession and display them in a visible and conspicuous location during operation (§ 12.42.080(J)). The Planning Department's separate mobile food vendor permit is also required before operating in the City.

County program. Section 8.04.030 adopts by reference County Ordinance No. 97-0071, which relates to the operation of food establishments, establishes a letter grade and inspection score system, and establishes a food handler's training certification program. The Paramount code names that program but does not restate course content or fees, so those details sit in the County ordinance. Food establishments, public eating places and hawkers also need a current City or County health permit, or written evidence that one will issue, before the City Clerk issues a business license (§ 8.04.020).

Sidewalk vendors. For carts under Chapter 12.40, § 12.40.080(E) requires all vendors to possess a valid permit issued by the Los Angeles County Health Department, and a vendor selling food must present it to the City before the business license issues under § 12.40.030.