Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires every San Antonio food employee to complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire. Metro Health enforces during inspections, and a Certified Food Manager must also be on staff.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 and the Texas Food Establishment Rules, all employees who handle unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces in a San Antonio restaurant or other food establishment must complete a Texas Department of State Health Services accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire and renew on the schedule set by the program. Each establishment must also employ at least one Certified Food Manager who has passed an accredited exam. San Antonio Metro Health verifies certificates during routine inspections, and missing or expired credentials are scored as priority violations. Cards are portable across Texas employers. Mobile food units, school cafeterias, and temporary events are also subject to the requirements.
Operating with uncertified employees is a priority violation that adds demerits and can trigger reinspection fees. Repeat or willful violations can lead to permit suspension and fines up to 2,000 dollars per day under TX HSC 438.
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See how San Antonio's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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