Food Handler Card in Los Angeles County: A 2025 Guide
Whether you’re a new hire in the foodservice industry or renewing your certificate, getting your Food Handler Card in Los Angeles is an essential first step toward a safe and successful career in the kitchen.
At AAA Food Handler, we’ve helped thousands of food workers understand not just how to get certified—but why it matters. In this 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know to get your Food Handler Card, Los Angeles employers and health officials require.
What Is a Food Handler Card?
A Food Handler Card is an official certificate showing that you’ve completed a basic food safety training course and passed an approved exam. In Los Angeles County, most employees who handle, prepare, or serve food are required by law to carry a valid Food Handler Card within 30 days of being hired.
It ensures that workers understand the essentials of:
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Proper handwashing
- Safe food temperatures
- Allergen awareness
- Cleaning and sanitizing
And most importantly, it helps protect customers and your business from foodborne illness.
Who Needs a Food Handler Card in Los Angeles?
If you work in a restaurant, cafeteria, food truck, bakery, or any establishment where food is served to the public, you probably need a Food Handler Card Los Angeles County recognizes. This includes:
- Line cooks
- Servers
- Baristas
- Dishwashers
- Bussers
- Food prep workers
Managers may need a Food Manager Certification instead (see our other blog for more on that), but frontline food employees must carry a Food Handler Card that complies with local and state regulations.
How to Get a Food Handler Card in Los Angeles (2025 Guide)
1. Choose an Approved Training Provider
Not all online courses are created equal. To be valid in Los Angeles County, your training must come from a provider approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and recognized locally.
At AAA Food Handler, we offer a state-approved, easy-to-complete online course that meets all 2025 requirements for Food Handler Card compliance.
2. Complete the Training
Our training is 100% online, mobile-friendly, and can be completed in about 90 minutes. The course covers food safety essentials, and there’s no need to download anything or sit through outdated videos.
3. Pass the Exam
At the end of the course, you’ll take a short multiple-choice exam. You must score at least 70% to pass—but don’t worry, AAA Food Handler’s materials are built to help you succeed on your first try.
4. Download and Print Your Food Handler Card
Once you pass, you can immediately download and print your official Food Handler Card. No waiting for something to come in the mail.
Be sure to keep a copy on file at work, and save a digital backup for yourself!
How Long Is the Card Valid?
Your Food Handler Card in Los Angeles is valid for three years from the date of issuance. After that, you’ll need to retake the training and exam to stay compliant.
AAA Food Handler offers reminders and renewal options so you never risk falling out of compliance.
Why Choose AAA Food Handler?
With years of experience in California’s food safety training landscape, AAA Food Handler is trusted by employers, employees, and health departments alike. Our mission is to make food safety training simple, fast, and effective—so you can get back to doing what you love.
- 100% Online
- Approved for use in Los Angeles County
- Instant certificate download
- Mobile and tablet-friendly
- Trusted by thousands of food workers every year
Getting your Food Handler Card shouldn’t be complicated—and with us, it isn’t.
Final Tips for 2025
- Always verify your provider is approved in California and Los Angeles County
- Keep your printed card somewhere safe at work
- Don’t wait until the last minute—complete your training within 30 days of hire
- Check your expiration date regularly and renew early
Ready to Get Your Food Handler Card?
Let AAA Food Handler help you take the next step in your foodservice career. Start your training today and earn your official Food Handler Card Los Angeles restaurants and employers require—all in under two hours.
