Getting your card
Who needs a food handlers card?
If your state or county has a card law and you cook, plate, pour, bus tables or wash dishes, plan on needing a food handlers card. Texas DSHS (Department of State Health Services) starts from “all food employees” and then lists a few exemptions, as of October 2026. Hosts and cashiers who never touch food or dishes are the gray zone; ask.
- ExamPFH
- UpdatedOct 14, 2026
On this page 4 sections
Where the rule comes from
The FDA Food Code, the model most states build on, asks for one thing from every worker: be properly trained in food safety, including food allergy awareness, as it relates to your duties (FDA Food Code 2022, 2-103.11(O)). The card itself is a state or county law.
California wants a card within 30 days of hire, from a provider accredited under ANSI (American National Standards Institute), with exemptions for some grocery, school and health-facility work (Health and Safety Code 113948). Texas covers food employees within 30 days, minus a few exemptions such as certified food managers and places that serve only pre-packaged food (Texas DSHS FAQ). Illinois depends on the type of establishment and generally gives 30 days (Illinois Department of Public Health). All three as of October 2026.
Arizona has no statewide card at all; it's a county call. The Arizona food handlers card page covers Maricopa County, the one we checked.
Chain jobs follow the same rule. A McDonald's crew member or a Starbucks barista in Texas needs what every Texas food employee needs. Some employers run their own approved training: Illinois allows an in-house program its health department approves, and New Mexico exempts employer programs its environment department approves.
Job by job
| Job | What you touch | Safe assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Line cook, prep cook | Raw meat, ready-to-eat food, knives, boards | You need a card |
| Barista | Milk, ice, pastries, cups and lids | You need a card |
| Server, busser | Plates, glasses, bread, garnish | You need a card |
| Dishwasher | Every pan and utensil the food touches next | You need a card |
| Deli or grocery counter | Sliced meat, cheese, prepared food | Usually; California exempts some grocery work |
| Host or cashier, no food | Menus, money, the door | Ask your manager |
| Shift lead, kitchen manager | All of it, plus the inspector | A card, and maybe a manager certificate too |
“Safe assumption” means the bet that won't get you written up. Your state or county rule decides.
Does your job count?
Do dishwashers need a food handlers card?
Where the law covers food employees broadly, as in Texas (as of October 2026), treat yourself as covered. You handle the plates and pans the next order lands on.
Does McDonald's or Starbucks require a food handlers card?
The card rule comes from the state or county, not the brand. Check your state's row on the food handler card rules by state page, then ask the store manager which course they take.
I'm a manager. Do I still need a handler card?
Sometimes not: Texas exempts certified food managers (Texas DSHS FAQ), and New Mexico exempts certified food protection managers (New Mexico Environment Department, as of October 2026). In other states, ask. The manager certificate is the bigger requirement.
OK, I need one. Where do I start?
Four steps, start to finish: how to get a food handlers card.
Sources
- FDA Food Code 2022 — 2-103.11(O) training; 2-102.11(B) person in charge checked Oct 13, 2026
- Cal. Health and Safety Code 113948 checked Oct 13, 2026
- Texas DSHS, food handler FAQ checked Oct 13, 2026
- Illinois Department of Public Health, food handler training checked Oct 13, 2026
- New Mexico Environment Department, food handler and manager training checked Oct 13, 2026