Tips on Securing a Food Handlers License in San Diego

Ready to grow your restaurant business in sunny San Diego? Before getting started, it’s important to ensure that your restaurant is adhering to the local licenses and permits required. This first starts with a food handlers permit.

To obtain a food handler’s permit in San Diego, California, you must possess a valid food handler card issued by a County-authorized Food Handler Training School or pass the County of San Diego In-House Exam, administered by a Food Safety Manager (FSM) at the Facility. Additionally, there is a state requirement for a certified food safety manager. Each food facility must have at least one owner/employee that has passed a state-approved food safety certification exam.

Here are a few simple steps to get started with food handlers license in San Diego:

1. Obtain a Food Handler Card

• Purpose: The food handler card certifies that you have undergone the necessary training and passed the required exam to handle food safely in a food facility.
• Estimated Cost: The cost varies depending on the training school. In-house training packets with tests in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese are available for $2.00.
• Instructions: You can obtain a food handler card by attending a course at a County-authorized Food Handler Training School or by passing the County of San Diego In-House Exam. Some of the authorized food handler training schools include AAA Food Handler, 123 Premier Food Safety, and 360Training.com. These schools offer both classroom and online training. If you lose your card within three years, you can purchase a replacement card from the training school or retake a 3-hour training course and pass the exam again.

2. Obtain a Food Safety Manager Certification

• Purpose: State law requires each food facility to have at least one owner/employee that has passed a state-approved food safety certification exam.
• Estimated Cost: The cost varies depending on the certification provider.
• Instructions: You can obtain a Food Safety Manager Certification by passing a state-approved food safety certification exam. Some of the approved exams include ServSafe, The Always Food Safe Company, LLC, 360training.com, Inc., AboveTraining/StateFoodSafety.com, 1 AAA Food Handler, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, and Responsible Training / Safety Certifications, LLC.

Once you’ve followed these steps, you’re well on your way to building a new food business in San Diego. Explore our additional sources to learn more about food permit and license requirements:

Useful Information Source Links:

• Foodhandler Program
• Food Safety Manager Certification courses
• Food Handler Training Schools

FAQs

How Long is the Food Handler Card Valid For?

The food handler card is valid for three years.

What if I Lose My Food Handler Card?

If you lose your card within three years, you can purchase a replacement card from the training school or retake a 3-hour training course and pass the exam again.

How Long is the Food Safety Manager Certification Valid for?

The Food Safety Manager Certification is valid for five years.

What Lanuages are the In-House Training Packets Available in?

The in-house training packets are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.

Can I Take the Food Handler Course Online?

Yes, some authorized food handler training schools offer online training.

Build Your Restaurant Business With CloudKitchens

Whether you’re starting a new food business or expanding to another location, CloudKitchens has multiple locations in San Diego that can help you reach your restaurant goals.

With CloudKitchens you can expand your audience, streamline your business, minimize costs, and be running a fully operational ghost kitchen in as little as one month.

Find the nearest location near you! Whether you’re looking for a ghost kitchen in Austin, NYC, Denver, Orlando, or more, we have you covered! We are available in a variety of locations across the United States. If you’re ready to optimize and revolutionize your restaurant, CloudKitchens makes it simple.

Explore ghost kitchen locations across the US:

• Ghost kitchens in Seattle
• Ghost kitchens in San Francisco
• Ghost kitchens in LA
• Ghost kitchens in NYC
• Ghost Kitchens in Toronto
• Ghost Kitchens in Atlanta
• Ghost Kitchens in Dallas
• Ghost Kitchens in Chicago
• Ghost Kitchens in Denver
• Ghost Kitchens in Miami

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

---

Sources: 

San Diego County. Food Handler Program. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/deh/fhd/food/foodhandler.html

San Diego County. Certified Food Safety Manager. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/deh/fhd/food/foodhandler.html

San Diego and Imperial Counties. Food Handler Program, San Diego Office. https://sandiego.networkofcare.org/mh/services/agency.aspx?pid=environmentalhealthdepartmentcountyofsandiegofoodhandlerprogramsandiegooffice_61_2_0

County of San Diego. Food Handler Training Schools.http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/deh/fhd/food/pdf/publications_fhschools860.pdf