How to Get Your Food Handler Card in San Diego County, California

In the bustling kitchens of San Diego—from seaside food trucks to upscale restaurants—food safety isn’t just a best practice, it’s a legal requirement. One of the most important steps every food worker must take is earning a valid food handler card in San Diego County.

This guide from AAA Food Handler, a trusted name in food safety training, walks you through the requirements, process, and benefits of becoming certified in 2025.

What Is a Food Handler Card?

A food handler card is an official certificate that proves you’ve been trained in basic food safety principles. It’s required for nearly all non-managerial food workers in California, including those in San Diego County.

It shows that you understand how to:

Prevent cross-contamination
Wash hands and maintain personal hygiene
Cook and hold foods at safe temperatures
Store and label foods properly
Recognize symptoms of foodborne illness

Who Needs a Food Handler Card in San Diego?

The requirement applies to most employees who handle, prepare, serve, or store food in:

Restaurants
Cafés and coffee shops
Caterers
School cafeterias
Mobile food units (food trucks, carts)
Grocery store delis and bakeries

If you’re hired to work in any of these environments, you must complete training and obtain your food handler card in San Diego within 30 days of your hire date.

Legal Requirements in San Diego County

The California Food Handler Card Law (SB 602) requires that food workers across the state—including San Diego—complete training from an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited program. That means not just any online course will do.

AAA Food Handler is proud to offer a fully compliant, ANAB-accredited course accepted throughout California.

Key compliance rules in San Diego County:

The card is valid for three (3) years statewide.
Training must come from an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited provider.
Your food handler card must be available for review during health inspections.
Managers and supervisors need a Food Manager Certification, not just a Food Handler card.

How to Get Your Food Handler Card in San Diego

At AAA Food Handler, we make the process fast and hassle-free:

Step 1: Register Online

Step 2: Complete the Training

The course typically takes 90 minutes or less. You’ll learn key concepts through videos, visuals, and real-world scenarios designed for everyday food service jobs.

Step 3: Pass the Final Quiz

After training, you’ll take a short exam (usually around 40 questions). Score 70% or higher to pass.

Step 4: Download Your Card

Your food handler card for San Diego is available instantly upon passing. You can print it, download a PDF, or email it to your employer.

Why Training Matters

Food safety issues don’t just affect restaurants—they impact entire communities. A properly trained staff helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness, prevent health code violations, and build customer trust.

Plus, employers benefit by having a workforce that understands:

Sanitation procedures
Safe handling of allergens
Correct food storage and thawing techniques
Illness reporting requirements

Why Choose AAA Food Handler?

At AAA Food Handler, we offer a simple, cost-effective path to compliance:

ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited
100% online – train at your pace, from any device
English & Spanish course options
Instant card download upon completion
Trusted by thousands of California food workers and employers

We’re not just another training site—we’re a food safety education provider with years of industry experience, helping food handlers and managers meet local and state requirements with confidence.

Final Thoughts

If you’re starting or continuing a food service job in San Diego County, getting your food handler card in San Diego isn’t optional—it’s required. But with the right training provider, it’s easy, fast, and empowering.

AAA Food Handler is here to support your certification journey every step of the way.