California Food Safety Training State Requirements

California Food Handlers
California law requires all food handlers in the food service and hospitality industry in the State of California to have a California Food Handler Card. California Retail Food Code – CalCode:

• Definition: “Food Handler” means an individual who is involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility ... or in a temporary food facility. §113790 (a)
• New Hires: All new hires have 30 days to obtain a food handler card. §113948 (a) (1)
• Re-training: Food handler cards are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. §113948 (a) (2)
• Responsibility: It is the employee's responsibility acquire a food handler card and is the property of the employee. The employee may change jobs without having to obtain a new card. §113790 (a)

California Certified Food Managers
California law requires all food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve unpackaged foods to have at least one Certified Food Manager (CFM) - which is the person-in-charge - by demonstrating knowledge of safe food handling practices by successfully passing an ANSI-accredited food manager certification exam.
California Retail Food Code – CalCode:

• Requirement: Food facilities that prepare, handle, or serve non-prepackaged potentially hazardous food, except temporary food facilities, shall have an owner or employee who has successfully passed an approved and accredited food safety certification examination. § 113947.1 (a)
• Designation: “Person in Charge” means a designated person who has knowledge of safe food handling practices and the major food allergenss as they relate to the specific food preparation activities that occur at the food facility. § 113945.1
• Re-Certification: Certified individuals shall be recertified every 5 years by passing an approved and accredited food safety certification examination.§ 113947.1 (h)
• Responsibility: The food safety certificate issued pursuant to Section 113947.3 shall be retained on file at the food facility at all times.§ 113947.1 (g)

California Food Safety State Regulations

California legal requirements for Food Handlers and Certified Food Managers:

• California Food Handler Card requirement is specified in California Retail Food Code – CalCode: Sections 113790 and 113948
• California Certified Food Manager (CFM)requirement is specified in California Retail Food Code – CalCode: Section 113945
• California Retail Food Code – CalCode
• California Food Handler Card Law Guidelines (Word Doc)
• SB 602 – California Food Handler Card Requirements (PDF)
  
• California Food Safety Program Rules and Guidelines
• FAQs: Commonly Asked Questions about AB 1978, California Food Safety and Sanitation Training, and Certified Examination

California Food Safety State Contact Info

California Department of Public Health
Food and Drug Branch
Retail Food Program
1500 Capitol Ave, MS 7602
PO Box 997377
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 558-1784
Web: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/...../FoodSafetyProgram/RetailFoodProgram.aspx

Sacramento County Environmental Management Department
Environmental Health Division
Retail Food Protection Program
10590 Armstrong Avenue, Suite B
Mather, Ca. 95655-4153
Phone: (916) 875-8440
Web: http://www.emd.saccounty.net/EH/FoodProtect-RetailFood/Pages/default.aspx

California Department of Food and Agriculture
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/