Texas
Food Handler Card

Who Needs a Food Handler Card in Texas?

Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) Section 228.31 requires all food handlers to obtain a Food Handler Card from an ANAB-accredited (formerly ANSI) provider within 30 days of starting work. This applies to anyone who prepares, stores, or serves food in a commercial setting. The Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) oversees food handler training requirements statewide, though individual county environmental health departments handle enforcement.

Texas Food Handler Requirements

Texas has specific requirements for food handler training that differ from many other states. Understanding these requirements ensures you stay compliant and avoid penalties. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete Texas food handler requirements guide .

What You Will Learn

Our Texas Food Handler course is aligned with the FDA Food Code and covers all required topics outlined in the Texas Food Establishment Rules and required by the DSHS.

How Our Food Handler Course Works

Getting your Food Handler Card takes four simple steps. Most people finish the entire process in about 75 minutes, and you can start and stop whenever you need to.

Take a quick look at our modern, easy-to-follow training platform

Texas Food Scene

Texas food culture is vast enough to contain multitudes — the state's size and diversity mean that Austin's craft BBQ scene, San Antonio's Tex-Mex traditions, Houston's extraordinary immigrant food diversity (the most ethnically diverse city in the United States), and the Gulf Coast's oyster bars and shrimp boats all claim the Texas food identity. Central Texas BBQ, centered on slow-smoked brisket from post-oak wood fires, has become a global pilgrimage destination, with lines at Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue that can exceed three hours. The breakfast taco — particularly the Austin version made with a fresh flour tortilla — has sparked a genuine culture war with New York City food writers, which Texans regard with bemused contempt.

Industry Statistics

State Health Department

Food safety in Texas  is overseen by the Texas Department of State Health Services

City Requirements

How Long Is a Texas Food Handler Card Valid?

Your Texas Food Handler Card is valid for two years from the date you complete the course. After that, you will need to renew by retaking the training. Here is what you need to know about maintaining your certificate.

What Our Students Say

Frequently Asked Questions

To manage training for your team, simply purchase the number of courses you need. You will be automatically provided a manager account to send enrollment invitations, track training progress, and view certificates. You can add courses as you need, and can even brand the training portal to your business!

Learn More About Food Safety

Helpful articles and resources for food workers.

Accreditation & Approval Information

FenixFoodSafety is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) under ASTM e2659 for Food Handler training (Certificate Issuer #0962). Our Texas Food Handler course meets all requirements set forth by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and follows the guidelines outlined in the Food Handler Certificate Policies and Procedures governing document.

This course fulfills the mandatory food handler training requirement for food employees in Texas as outlined in the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Food Handler Card that is valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance.

Certificate Validity: Your certificate is valid throughout Texas. Some employers may have additional training requirements beyond the state-mandated Food Handler Card. Please check with your employer for any additional requirements. Your certificate must be kept on file at your place of employment and must be renewed every 2 years.

Start Your Food Handler Training Today

Join a growing number of certified food handlers. Just $8 — no hidden fees, instant certificate.