Anyone preparing, storing, or serving food at a Santa Ana restaurant must hold a California Food Handler Card, obtained within 30 days of hire and renewed every three years.
California Health and Safety Code section 113948 requires food employees in restaurants statewide, including Santa Ana, to obtain an ANSI-accredited Food Handler Card. Workers must pass a training program covering foodborne illness, cross-contamination, allergens, time and temperature control, and personal hygiene. Cards must be obtained within 30 days of hire and kept available at the worksite for inspection by the OC Health Care Agency. Certified Food Protection Managers covered under separate rules satisfy the requirement automatically. Cards are valid for three years.
Employing an uncertified food handler past the 30-day window, failing to keep cards on file at the facility, or using fraudulent or expired cards.
See how other cities in Orange County handle food handler certification.
See how Santa Ana's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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