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PFPriority Foundation · FDA Food Code 2-103.11 · 10–30 days depending on jurisdiction (Priority Foundation)

How to fix: Food Handler Certification — Missing or Expired

One or more food employees did not have a valid food handler card or certificate as required by the jurisdiction.

What this violation means

Many jurisdictions require all food handlers — not just managers — to hold a valid food handler card or food safety certificate obtained through an accredited training program. FDA Food Code 2-103.11 places responsibility on the certified food protection manager to ensure employees follow food safety practices; many state and local codes layer an individual food handler card requirement on top of this. Inspectors check whether every employee handling food has a current card, and whether cards are on file or accessible on the premises. Expired cards are treated the same as missing cards.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Identify which employees are missing valid food handler cards — check all current staff, not just those on shift at the time of inspection
2Enroll uncertified employees in a state-approved food handler training course immediately — many are available online and can be completed in a few hours
3Collect completed food handler certificates and keep copies on file at the establishment
4Create an expiration tracking spreadsheet listing each employee, their certificate number, and expiration date
5Set calendar reminders 30 days before each certificate expires

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Asks to see food handler certificates for all employees currently on shift
☐Checks expiration dates on all cards presented
☐Verifies the certifying organization is state-approved
☐Confirms certificates are kept on the premises or that employees carry them
☐Reviews whether a tracking system exists for certificate expiration dates

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Make food handler certification a condition of hire for all food handling positions
Review certificate status for all staff monthly
Keep a file of all current food handler certificates organized by employee name

Related violations to check

No Certified Food Protection Manager→No Employee Illness Reporting Policy→Employee Handwashing — Improper Procedure→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 2-103.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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