Santa Ana, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

(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).