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

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

Key Facts

State law
SB 602, H&S 113947
Card validity
3 years
Hire window
Card within 30 days
Manager
1 certified per facility

Summary

California Senate Bill 602 requires all SF food employees to obtain a state-approved Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire, and at least one Certified Food Protection Manager must be on staff per facility under Health and Safety Code 113947.

113948. (a) (1) Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired on or after June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card within 30 days after the date of hire. Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of the food handler's employment as a food handler. (2) Food handler cards shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance, regardless of whether the food handler changes employers during that period... (b)(3)(D) A minimum score of 70 percent on the examination is required to successfully complete the examination.

Source: San Francisco Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Food handlers must complete an ANSI-accredited course and pass an exam covering safe food handling, allergen awareness, and sanitation. Cards are valid three years. Each food facility must designate at least one Certified Food Protection Manager whose certification is recognized statewide. SF DPH inspectors verify card and manager certificates during inspections. Some facility types like temporary food events and certain non-profits have limited exemptions. SF restaurants typically use providers like StateFoodSafety, ServSafe, or Learn2Serve. Cards are portable across California employers.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a current food handler card or qualified manager is an inspection violation that may delay permit renewal, prompt reinspection fees, and trigger $25 to several hundred dollar penalties per worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a SF-issued food handler card needed?
No special SF card exists. California accepts any ANSI-accredited Food Handler Card from approved providers like StateFoodSafety, ServSafe, or Learn2Serve, valid statewide for three years.
Are food trucks subject to the same rules?
Yes. Mobile Food Facilities operating in SF must have certified workers and a Food Protection Manager just like brick-and-mortar restaurants under California Retail Food Code.

Sources & Official References

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