California Food Handler Card Law SB 303

Date: December 7, 2011

Environmental Health and Safety Programs
Sonoma County Department of Health Services
625 5th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 565-6565

Senate Bill 303, California Food Handler Card Law, requires Food Handler Cards for employees who prepare, store or serve food.

To obtain a California Food Handler Card a handler must complete an approved training course and pass a test with a score of 70% or higher.

Before January 1, 2012, A California Food Handler Card can be obtained from either a food protection manager or an organization with an ANSI accredited food handler program. A list of approved organizations can be found at:

• California Food Handler Certificate Program (Accredited)
• ANSI-CFP Accreditation Program (Accredited)

After January 1, 2012, A California Food Handler Card must be obtained from an organization with an ANSI accredited food handler program. A list of approved organizations can be found at:

• California Food Handler Certificate Program (Accredited)

If a food handler has obtained a Food Safety Management Certification they are not required to obtain the California Food Handler Card.

For more information on how to obtain a Food Safety Management Certification, visit our webpage:

• Food Handler Safety Certification Classes

For more information about SB 303 visit:

• California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health