Food Handler Card Requirements
Lake County, Indiana

Gary, Hammond, Merrillville. Administered by the Lake County Health Dept..

Northwest Indiana Card NOT Required at County Level

Lake County Quick Facts

Not Required
Food Handler Card
Not Required
Cost
Voluntary
Valid For
N/A
Online Accepted?
Yes
Health Department
Lake County Health Dept.
Phone
(219) 755-3555
ℹ️
No county-level food handler card requirement currently exists in Lake County. Individual food worker cards are voluntary. However, every food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) under state law.

Food Handler Card Requirements in Lake County

Lake County, in the Chicago metro region of Northwest Indiana, does not require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. The Lake County Health Department oversees food safety. Contact them at (219) 755-3555 for food service permit information.

For current requirements, contact the Lake County Health Dept. directly at (219) 755-3555
Web: lakecountyhealth.org. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.

Indiana Statewide Food Manager Certification Requirement

Regardless of whether a food handler card is required in Lake County, every licensed food establishment in Indiana must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The CFPM must pass a proctored exam from an ANAB-accredited provider (ServSafe, Prometric, or similar). Cost: approximately $130–$180. Valid approximately 5 years.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions — Lake County

Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Gary?▾
No. Lake County does not currently require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. If an employer requires one, that is company policy. Every food establishment must still have a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff under Indiana state law.
Who handles food service permits and inspections in Lake County?▾
The Lake County Health Dept. handles food service permits, inspections, and food safety inquiries for Lake County. Contact them at (219) 755-3555
Web: lakecountyhealth.org.
What food safety certification is required statewide in Indiana?▾
Indiana requires every licensed food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This applies in every Indiana county. The CFPM must pass a proctored exam from an ANAB-accredited provider such as ServSafe. This is the one food safety credential no Indiana food business can operate without.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Lake County Health Dept. at (219) 755-3555. Requirements can change.