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California Food Handler Cards (all food employees): Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA County EH / California Retail Food Code

What it is

Every employee who prepares, stores or serves food needs a California Food Handler Card from an ANSI-accredited training provider.

When a restaurant needs it

Within 30 days of hire for each food employee. Only a person who personally holds a valid Food Protection Manager certificate is exempt — other employees still need cards even when a certified manager is on staff.

How to apply

Each employee completes an accredited online/in-person course and test and gives you a copy of the card.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Set by the training provider; the employer must pay for the training, test and the employee's time
Processing time
About 2 hours of training
Renewal
Every 3 years (card follows the employee)
Who files
Each employee obtains their own card; the employer keeps records.

Good to know

California law requires employers to pay for the course and the employee's time — budget it in onboarding.

Official source

LA County EH — food handler & manager certification

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.