Food Establishment Guidelines and Permits
Food Handler Cards
Food Handler cards are required for every person who handles or prepares food, and/or handles the food utensils and equipment, including dish washing. The cost is $15.00 per year and the card must be posted inside the food unit. Cards must be obtained prior to opening. Food handlers without cards, working in food establishment, will be asked to leave and a re-inspection will take place (with accompanying re-inspection fee of $100.00) to insure that all food handlers have their cards. Applicants must watch a 30 minute informational video and successfully pass a test.
Video at Parker Office - Walk Ins Welcome!
Food Handler Cards -- are available at La Paz County Health Department, 1112 Joshua Ave Parker #206 Parker, Monday and Wednesday from 7:00am until 4:00pm. The office is closed on Friday.
In addition to the Parker Office, the Food Handler class and test will be given at:
Video at Parker Office - Walk Ins Welcome!
Food Handler Cards -- are available at La Paz County Health Department, 1112 Joshua Ave Parker #206 Parker, Monday and Wednesday from 7:00am until 4:00pm. The office is closed on Friday.
In addition to the Parker Office, the Food Handler class and test will be given at:
Food Handler Classes
All individuals working in a food establishment who handle food and dishes must obtain a La Paz County food handler card per county regulation before working in the food establishment. Food handler cards must be posted during all hours of operation.
Cost of the food handler card is $15.00 per year. Duplicate cards are $5.00 each.
Here are the options for obtaining a La Paz County food handler card:
PLEASE READ: Health Department staff will be unable to give classes in Quartzsite and in the county this year. If your food establishment has several employees or located in a remote area, contact the Environmental Health Director at 928-669-1100 for available options for your facility.
In addition to food handler cards required for all food handlers, there must be a Person In Charge during all hours of operation. This person must have advanced knowledge of food safety and have authority to make decisions about the operation of the facility pertaining to food safety as well as food handler health and hygiene. This is a requirement of the Arizona Food Code.
All individuals working in a food establishment who handle food and dishes must obtain a La Paz County food handler card per county regulation before working in the food establishment. Food handler cards must be posted during all hours of operation.
Cost of the food handler card is $15.00 per year. Duplicate cards are $5.00 each.
Here are the options for obtaining a La Paz County food handler card:
- Parker Location on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Watch the video and take the test at the Parker location (1112 Joshua Ave., #206, Parker, AZ).
- Salome Location September - February on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am. Classes are given at VFW Post 3708, 66558 Hall Street, Salome, AZ.
- Waive the test and present certification from another county. Food handler class/test can be waived if the food handler has a current food handler card from another county jurisdiction. Present a copy of the current food handler card in the office and submit $15.00 for La Paz card.
- Take an ANSI online course. Take an ANSI certified online course. Submit the ANSI certificate and $15.00 to Health Department office to obtain card. Certification must be within the last year.
PLEASE READ: Health Department staff will be unable to give classes in Quartzsite and in the county this year. If your food establishment has several employees or located in a remote area, contact the Environmental Health Director at 928-669-1100 for available options for your facility.
In addition to food handler cards required for all food handlers, there must be a Person In Charge during all hours of operation. This person must have advanced knowledge of food safety and have authority to make decisions about the operation of the facility pertaining to food safety as well as food handler health and hygiene. This is a requirement of the Arizona Food Code.
Note: If you need a Spanish video and test, please contact the Health Department at 928-669-1100. Spanish classes are available in Parker at the Health Department, 1112 Joshua Ave., #206, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm.