Who needs a California food handler card for every food employee in California?

Issued by California Department of Public Health (ANSI-accredited course), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in California

Every food handler gets the card within 30 days of hire and keeps it current. Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties run their own food handler programs in place of the state card; ask the county.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by California Department of Public Health (ANSI-accredited course).

Sources and dates

CDPH retail food safety training guidance; Health and Safety Code food handler sections. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.