Montgomery County, MD Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Manager required by
- July 15, 1989 (immediate control)
- Certification issued by
- Maryland Dept. of Health or County reg.
- County card validity
- 3 years from coursework
- Exempt
- Wrapped-food-only or seasonal facilities
- Violation class
- Class A: up to $1,000 fine
Summary
Every Montgomery County food service facility must have a certified food service manager on staff, and the manager must be on-site controlling operations after July 15, 1989.
(b)(1) After January 15, 1989, a licensee must not operate a food service facility unless at least one employee is a certified food service manager, or is taking a course that will train the employee to be a certified food service manager. (2) After July 15, 1989, a licensee must not operate a food service facility unless the facility is under the immediate control of a certified food service manager.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code Sec. 15-8(b) bars a licensee from operating a food service facility unless at least one employee is a certified food service manager or is enrolled in a course to become one, and after July 15, 1989 the facility must operate under a certified manager's immediate control. Certification runs through the Maryland Department of Health or, per Sec. 15-9(b), an executive regulation the County Executive adopts; COMCOR 15.00.01.03(B) sets the County's own certification-card process, a 3-year renewal cycle, and required documentation. Facilities serving only wrapped food, or seasonal operations handling little hazardous food, are exempt under Sec. 15-8(b)(3).
Violations & Fines
Operating without a certified manager on staff or in control after the deadlines is a Class A violation: up to $1,000 and 6 months jail criminally, or a $500 civil fine ($750 for a repeat offense).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every food handler need a certificate, or just the manager?
How long does Montgomery County's manager certification last?
What happens if a facility operates without a certified manager?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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