Under ARS §36-136 and Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 8, every food handler in the county must obtain a Maricopa County Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire. Cards remain valid for three years and must be carried during shifts.
Arizona Revised Statutes §36-136 grants the Department of Health Services and county health departments authority to require food-handler training. Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 8 implements that authority by requiring every person who works with unpackaged food, food equipment, or utensils in a permitted retail food facility within Maricopa County to obtain a Maricopa County Food Handler Card. New hires must complete an approved online training and exam and obtain the card within 30 days of starting work. Cards remain valid for three years. Workers must carry the card on the job, and employers must keep a copy on file for MCESD inspection. Owners and certified Food Protection Managers have separate higher-tier certification obligations.
Operating with uncertified food handlers can result in inspection citations, mandatory training plans, and reinspection fees from MCESD. Repeat violations may escalate to permit suspension under Maricopa County Environmental Health Code Chapter 1.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle food handler certification.
See how Surprise's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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