Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re planning to work in a food service establishment in Los Angeles, you may be asking:
“Do I need a Food Handler permit to work in the City of LA?”
The short answer is yes. California law requires most food employees to hold a valid Food Handler Card, and this includes those working within the City of Los Angeles.
In this blog, we’ll explain what a Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles is, who needs one, how to get certified, and how AAA Food Handler makes the process quick and easy.
What Is a Food Handler Card?
A Food Handler Card is an official document that verifies you’ve completed a basic food safety training program approved by the state of California. It shows that you understand essential hygiene and food safety practices necessary to work safely in the food industry.
The Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles follows the same statewide regulations governed by California’s Food Handler Card Law (SB 602). There is no separate city-issued card, but employees must hold a valid card that meets state requirements.
Who Needs a Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles?
You are required to obtain a food handler card if you:
- Work in a restaurant, café, food truck, or any other food facility
- Handle food, utensils, or food-contact surfaces
- Are not a certified food manager (those with a valid food manager certification are exempt)
Roles that require a card include:
- Line cooks
- Servers and bussers
- Prep cooks
- Dishwashers
- Food runners
- Baristas and cashiers in food establishments
If you’re employed in the City of Los Angeles, you must earn your Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire and keep it valid for as long as you are employed in a food-handling position.
How to Get a Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles
Step 1: Choose a State-Approved Training Program
The training must be from a provider approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). At AAA Food Handler, we offer a state-compliant, user-friendly online course available 24/7. Our platform makes it easy to study and complete your training on your schedule.
Step 2: Complete the Online Course
The course typically takes around 75–90 minutes and covers topics like:
- Foodborne illness and prevention
- Time and temperature control
- Cross-contamination
- Personal hygiene
- Cleaning and sanitizing
Step 3: Pass the Final Test
After completing the training, you’ll take a short multiple-choice test. Upon passing, you’ll immediately receive your official Food Handler Card.
Step 4: Download and Print Your Card
Once certified, your Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles is valid for three years and must be presented upon request by employers or health inspectors.
Do You Need to Register Your Card?
No additional registration is required in the City of Los Angeles. Your card is valid throughout Los Angeles County and California, as long as it is issued by a state-approved provider.
Why Choose AAA Food Handler?
At AAA Food Handler, we help make food safety certification simple and efficient for food workers across California. Here’s what sets us apart:
- State-approved food handler training
- Fast, mobile-friendly course
- Instant access to your certificate
- Affordable pricing with no hidden fees
- Trusted by thousands of food workers statewide
Final Thoughts
Getting your Food Handler Card in the City of Los Angeles is a mandatory and essential step toward working legally in the food industry. By completing a state-approved training through a provider like AAA Food Handler, you’ll meet all requirements while gaining valuable knowledge that ensures food safety for your customers and coworkers.
Ready to get started?
AAA Food Handler makes it easy to earn your food handler card online—fast, simple, and 100% compliant.
