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Portsmouth, VA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Card required for
Anyone working at a food establishment
Issued by
Director of Public Health
Temporary card limit
Max 30 days
Reciprocity
Only if issuing standard was equal/greater
Transferability
Non-transferable, employee's property

Summary

Anyone who works in any capacity at a Portsmouth food establishment must first obtain a food service card from the city health director under § 15.1-19(a). Temporary cards last no more than 30 days, and employing an uncertified worker is a separate violation for the employer.

(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to work or be employed in any capacity in any food establishment unless such person shall have first completed the requirements for, and obtained, a food service employee or food service manager card issued by the director of public health of the city or such director's authorized representatives.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).

Full Breakdown

1-19 puts the certification burden on both employee and employer. Subsection (a) bars anyone from working in any capacity at a food establishment without first completing the health director's requirements and obtaining a food service employee or food service manager card, and subsection (b) separately makes it unlawful for an employer to keep an uncertified person on staff. 1-19(c)). 1-19(d)). 1-19(h)). 1-19(i)). 1-19(j)).

Violations & Fines

Working without a valid food service card, or an employer keeping an uncertified worker on staff, violates § 15.1-19(a)-(b) and is enforced under Chapter 15.1's general violation provision. The director can also suspend or revoke a card for cause at any time, including temporary and reciprocity cards, cutting off a worker's ability to work in any Portsmouth food establishment until reinstated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every food service worker in Portsmouth need a card, not just managers?
Yes. Section 15.1-19(a) covers anyone working "in any capacity" at a food establishment, not just managers, so kitchen staff, servers and other employees all need a valid food service employee or manager card from the health director.
How long is a temporary food service card good for?
Up to 30 days. Under § 15.1-19(c), the director can issue a temporary card while an applicant completes the full requirements, but it expires on whatever date, not to exceed 30 days, the director writes on it.
Can I use a food handler card from another Virginia city?
Sometimes. Section 15.1-19(d) lets Portsmouth honor a card from another Virginia city, county or organization until it expires, but only if the director determines that jurisdiction's requirements were equal to or stricter than Portsmouth's own.
Can my employer be penalized for letting me work without a card?
Yes. Section 15.1-19(b) separately makes it unlawful for an employer to employ or keep employed anyone in a covered position without a valid food service card, exposing the business to its own violation under Chapter 15.1.

Sources & Official References

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All Portsmouth rules

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