California requires all food handlers working in food facilities to obtain a valid California Food Handler Card. Training must be completed within 30 days of hire.

• The course and exam must be completed within 2.5 hours, and employers must relieve the employee of all other duties while completing the training and exam. Employers must also pay for the cost of the course and exam, and the time spent completing them counts as hours worked.
• Food handler certificates are valid for 3 years. Recertification requires retaking the exam.
• Exemptions include employees working in temporary food facilities and restricted food service facilities.
• Since January 1, 2021, food handler training for certain food facilities (such as day camps and school cafeterias) must include allergen awareness content.
• The California Food Handler Card must be kept on file at the food facility and made available to health inspectors.
• By January 1, 2025, the state health department must post a link listing all accredited food handler training programs, and all local health departments must link to that list on their websites.

CITY / COUNTY REQUIREMENTS
Most counties in California accept the standard California Food Handler Card. However, Riverside County and San Bernardino County operate their own food handler training programs.

Food handler cards from other counties, programs, or companies are not accepted in Riverside or San Bernardino. Employees must complete the county-approved course for these jurisdictions.

Riverside County Program:
Riverside County – Food Handler Certification

San Bernardino County Program:
San Bernardino County – Food Handler Card Program

Certificate validity:
• Riverside County: 2 years
• San Bernardino County: 3 years

Local fees vary by county. Employers are required to pay for the cost of an employee’s food handler course and exam and cover any necessary employee expenditures or losses associated with earning the food handler card.