Paterson, NJ Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Certificate required
- before working as food handler
- Application fee
- $50 (amended 2025)
- Apply within
- 30 days of starting job
- Issued by
- Paterson Health Division
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
Anyone who prepares or handles food for sale in Paterson must hold a City Health Division food handler's certificate, obtained within 30 days of starting the job, before working.
Subject to the provisions of § 235-4, no person shall engage in or be employed as a food handler without first having obtained a food handler's certificate in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
B. Subject to the provisions of § 235-4, no employer shall employ any person as a food handler unless the person so employed has first obtained a food handler's certificate in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Paterson's Health Division requires every food handler, anyone preparing or handling food intended for sale, to hold a food handler's certificate before working, and bars employers from putting an uncertified worker on the job (§ 235-2). Applicants apply in writing to the Health Division within 30 days of starting the job (§ 235-4) and pay a $50 fee (§ 235-3B, amended 2025). Issuance requires completing a Health Officer-supervised course covering sanitation, hygiene and food poisoning (§ 235-5); the certificate can be suspended or revoked for cause (§ 235-6).
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision draws a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment, or up to 90 days' community service, at the court's discretion (§ 235-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who counts as a food handler under Paterson's ordinance?
How much does a Paterson food handler certificate cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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