California Health and Safety Code §113948 requires every food employee in San Diego to obtain an ANSI-accredited Food Handler Card within thirty days of hire and renew it every three years. San Diego County DEHQ verifies cards during routine inspections.
Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every person who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces must obtain a California Food Handler Card from an ANSI-accredited training provider within thirty days of hire. The card costs around fifteen dollars, requires a short course and exam, and is valid statewide for three years. San Diego County DEHQ inspectors verify cards during routine restaurant inspections and follow-up visits. In addition, every facility must designate a Person in Charge holding a Food Safety Manager certification under §113947.1. The cards transfer between jobs and counties.
Operating with uncertified workers is a violation cited during DEHQ inspection, with possible fines and reinspection fees. Employers may also face administrative penalties and have the violation noted on the publicly posted inspection result.
San Diego, CA
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San Diego, CA
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See how San Diego's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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