Texarkana, TX Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Who needs it
- One certified manager per location
- Compliance window
- 30 days after hire or turnover
- Notice required
- Report manager change within 48 hrs
- Exemptions
- Temporary events, prepackaged-only sellers
- Max fine
- $2,000 per day, per violation
Summary
Every food establishment in Texarkana must keep at least one certified food protection manager on site, trained through a state-accredited program, under City Code Sec. 20-60(b)(6).
The permit holder of every food establishment shall ensure that at least one person in charge at each location, who is responsible for supervising food preparation and service, has a valid food protection management training certificate issued by the state department of health as proof of successful completion of a state department of health accredited food protection management training program as defined in 25 TAC § 229.172.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Texarkana amends the state's Texas Food Establishment Rules to require every permitted food establishment to designate at least one person in charge, per location, who holds a valid food protection manager certificate from a Texas Department of State Health Services-accredited training program. The permit holder must make that certificate available to the health inspections office on request. New establishments, ownership changes, or a manager's departure trigger a 30-day window to come into compliance, and the operator must notify the health department within 48 hours if the certified manager leaves. Temporary food establishments, prepackaged/uncut-produce-only sellers, and drink/snack-only operations (fountain drinks, coffee, alcohol, popcorn, snow cones) are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a designated certified food protection manager is enforced through the underlying food-permit rules: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,000 per day (Sec. 20-66), plus permit suspension or revocation authority under Sec. 20-60(c)-(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every kitchen worker need a food handler card?
What if our certified manager quits?
Is a food truck exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
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