3 states below have a real statewide training and card requirement we could trace to a statute. 1 more have a real statewide baseline with county-level variation on top of it. That is 4 of 50 states published so far, not all 50 -- this page grows as each additional state gets the same individual verification, not a table filled in from a single aggregator source.
One honest limitation on every mandate-state page here: several states specifically require training from an accredited provider, and we have not yet confirmed accreditation status for our own course. Each page says so directly rather than implying our course satisfies a requirement we have not verified it does.
States with a statewide requirement
States with a statewide baseline plus county variation
Straight answers
Which states require a food handler card?
3 states have a statewide food handler training requirement we could trace to a statute: Texas, Illinois, Utah. 1 more (California) set a statewide baseline with county-level variation on top. Other states leave it to counties or employers; we publish a state only once we can cite its source.
What law requires food handler training in Texas?
Texas's requirement comes from Texas Health and Safety Code § 438.046; Texas Administrative Code Rule § 228.31. The agency to confirm current rules with is Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
What law requires food handler training in Illinois?
Illinois's requirement comes from 410 ILCS 625 (Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act). The agency to confirm current rules with is Illinois Department of Public Health.
What law requires food handler training in Utah?
Utah's requirement comes from Utah Administrative Code R392-103. The agency to confirm current rules with is Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Does California require a food handler card?
California sets a statewide baseline under California Health and Safety Code §§ 113947-113948, and counties can add requirements on top of it, so the answer depends on the county the establishment is in.
Related training
Food safety training that meets these requirements
Every certificate we issue can be checked at certifiedtrainingusa.com/verify. Buying for a team? Pricing for employee safety and compliance training, with seat bundles and invoicing.