Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every food handler in Santa Clara County must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for three years. SCC DEH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections countywide.
California Health and Safety Code §113948 requires anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment, or utensils in a 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 during routine retail food inspections in all 15 cities and unincorporated areas. Owners and certified Food Safety Managers under Health and Safety Code §113947 also have separate certification obligations under CalCode.
Operating with uncertified food handlers can result in inspection citations, mandatory training requirements, and reinspection fees from SCC DEH. Repeat violations may escalate to suspension of the health permit and impact the facility's inspection score on the next routine visit.
See how Santa Clara's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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