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

Prometric Inc. (ANSI ID: 0659)
Phone:    (800) 624-2736
Website:  http://www.prometric.com/foodsafety

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)

Food Handler Booklet (Spanish)

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