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.
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.
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.
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