San Jose, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Health and Safety Code §113948
- Deadline
- Within 30 days of hire
- Card validity
- Three years
- Provider requirement
- ANSI-accredited program
- Enforcement
- SCC DEH retail food inspectors
Summary
Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every food handler in San Jose must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for three years. Santa Clara County DEH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections.
(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.
(3) A food handler card shall be recognized throughout the state, except in jurisdictions described in subdivision (f).
Full Breakdown
California Health and Safety Code §113948 requires anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment, or utensils in a San Jose restaurant, bar, or similar retail food facility to hold a Food Handler Card from an ANSI-accredited training provider. New hires must obtain the card within 30 days of starting work, and cards remain valid for three years. Employers must keep records of valid cards on file and produce them on request during inspection. Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health enforces the rule in San Jose because the city has no separate health department. Owners and certified Food Safety Managers under Health and Safety Code §113947 also have separate certification obligations under CalCode.
Violations & Fines
Operating a San Jose food facility with uncertified handlers results in inspection citations, mandatory training, and reinspection fees from SCC DEH. Repeat violations may escalate to health permit suspension and affect the facility's score on the next routine visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a food handler card to work in San Jose?
Where can I get the card?
Does San Jose run its own food handler program?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California public health rules overview
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