Santa Clara County, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- Health and Safety Code §113948
- Deadline
- Within 30 days of hire
- Card validity
- Three years
- Provider requirement
- ANSI-accredited program
- Enforcement
- SCC DEH retail food inspectors
Summary
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.
(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.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a California Food Handler Card?
Where can I get the card?
Does the rule apply to all SCC cities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.