Food Handler Program

UPDATE TO FOOD HANDLER PROGRAM

The Board of Supervisors approved changes to the Food Handler Program.

FOOD HANDLER CARDS/ TESTS

All food handlers are required by San Diego County Code to possess either a valid food handler card issued by a county-authorized food handler training school or a County of San Diego food handler test administered by the current food safety manager who has passed a state-approved food safety certification exam. 

To find an upcoming food handler class, please contact the food handler training school directly. IMPORTANT NOTE: Ensure your food handler test is for a SAN DIEGO COUNTY approved course. Not all California food handler card courses are approved in San Diego County. If you have questions, please contact our department at (858) 505-6900.

To purchase a food handler training packet for $2.00 (Must be issued by current food safety manager; includes English and Spanish tests, answer keys, and some training material), please visit our San Diego Office: 5500 Overland Ave. Suite 170. San Diego, CA 92123 or email our Specialist on Duty for more options (fhdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov).    

FOOD HANDLER CARD RENEWALS

Food handler cards are valid for 3 years. To renew your card, you must complete a full 3 hour training course and pass an exam provided by one of our approved food handler training school. If you lose your card during the 3 years since you passed the exam, you must contact the training school to purchase a replacement card (your expiration date will still reflect your initial exam passing date), or you must retake a full 3 hour training course and pass the exam again to be issued a new food handler card. Should you have any questions, please contact our department (858) 505-6900.

CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER

In addition to the County's food handler training requirement there is also a state requirement for a certified food safety manager. State law requires each food facility to have at least one owner/employee that has passed a state-approved food safety certification exam. Each certification is applicable to only one facility. These certificates are valid for 5 years and must be renewed. 

Please contact the Food Safety Manager Certification courses directly.

ServSafe / National Restaurant Association (ANSI ID: 0655)
Phone:    (800) 765-4842   
Website: http://www.servsafe.com

National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (ANSI ID: 0656)
Phone:    (619) 885-5522 or (800) 446-0257
Website:  http://www.nrfsp.com

360training.com, Inc. (ANSI ID: 0975)
Phone:    (888) 360-8764
Website:  http://www.learn2serve.com

AboveTraining / StateFoodSafety.com (ANSI ID: 1020)
Phone:    (801) 494-1416
Website:  https://www.statefoodsafety.com/food-safety-manager-certification

The Always Food Safety Company, LLC (ANSI ID: 1203)
Phone: (303) 500-1157
Website: https://www.alwaysfoodsafe.com

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Foodhandler Training requirements under San Diego County Code

Food Handler Training Schools List (County authorized)

Food Handler Booklet (English) (Updated 03/19/2021)

Food Handler Booklet (Spanish) (Updated 03/19/2021)

Food Handler Booklet (Chinese)

Food Handler Booklet (Vietnamese)

If you have any questions regarding the food handler program, please call (858) 505-6900 or e-mail fhdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov