Does California Require Employers to Cover the Cost of Food Handler Training?
The short answer is Yes, Employers must now cover the cost of California Food Handler Training. Starting from January 1st, 2024, California has made it a rule that restaurant owners must cover the costs linked to mandatory CA Food Handler Card training for their staff.
This means they need to pay for the food handler course itself and compensate employees at their regular hourly rate for the time they spend on training. SB 476 also says that employers must let employees off from their regular duties while they go through the food handler training, and this should happen within 30 days of them being hired.
Additionally, the new law makes it clear that employers cannot require job applicants to have a food handler card before they can apply for a position.
Key Provisions of SB 476
- Compensating Employees: Employers must consider the time spent by employees in training and examinations as compensable "hours worked," including necessary expenditures.
- Relief from Work Duties: Employers are required to relieve employees of all other work duties during the training course and examination.
- No Conditioning of Employment: Employers are prohibited from conditioning employment on the applicant or employee having an existing food handler card.
Enroll Now!
Designed for all Food Handlers, including food employees needing to renew their Food Handler Certificate or Food Handler Card. Food Handler Certificates are valid for 3 years.
Price: $7.95
Diseñado para todos los manipuladores de alimentos, incluidos los empleados de alimentos que necesitan renovar su certificado de manipulador de alimentos o tarjeta de manipulador de alimentos. Los certificados de manipulador de alimentos tienen una validez de 3 años.
Price: $7.95
Future Requirements
By January 1, 2025, the Department of Public Health is required to post links to accredited food handler training programs on its website. Local public health departments must also provide a link to that webpage on their own websites.
Impact and Implications
SB 476 broadens the scope of offenses and imposes new duties on local public health departments, creating a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution mandates reimbursement for certain costs, subject to the determination of the Commission on State Mandates.
As SB 476 takes effect, it signifies a significant shift in food safety practices in California, emphasizing enhanced accountability and transparency.
