Food Handler Card
Not Required
Online Accepted?
Yes (voluntary)
Health Department
Gateway District Health Dept.
ℹ️No county-level food handler card requirement exists in Boyd County. Individual food worker cards are voluntary. However, every food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager under state law.
Food Handler Card Requirements in Boyd County
Boyd County, home to Ashland in northeastern Kentucky, does not require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. The Gateway District Health Department serves Boyd and neighboring counties. Ashland is a mid-size city with a significant food service industry, but no county-level worker card requirement is in effect. Contact the Gateway District Health Department at (606) 329-9444 for all food service permit and inspection questions.
For the most current and authoritative information on food handler requirements in Boyd County, contact the Gateway District Health Dept. directly at (606) 329-9444. Requirements, accepted providers, and fees are subject to change by the local Board of Health.
The Food Manager Certification: Required Statewide
Regardless of whether a food handler card is required in Boyd County, every licensed food establishment in Kentucky must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This is a Kentucky state requirement that applies in every county. The CFPM must hold a valid credential from an ANAB-accredited exam provider such as ServSafe. The exam typically costs $130–$180 and must be renewed approximately every 5 years.
If you are opening a food establishment in Boyd County, confirm your food service permit requirements with the Gateway District Health Dept. and ensure your CFPM credential is current before your opening inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Boyd County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Boyd County?▾
No. Boyd County does not currently require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. Some employers may require one as a company policy, but it is not mandated by county law. However, every food establishment must have a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff under Kentucky state law.
Who do I contact about food safety permits in Boyd County?▾
Contact the Gateway District Health Dept. at (606) 329-9444 for all food service permit applications, food handler card questions, and inspection-related inquiries.
What food certifications are required at the state level in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky state law requires every licensed retail food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This is separate from the county-level food handler card and applies in every county. The CFPM must pass a proctored exam from an ANAB-accredited provider such as ServSafe. This is the one food safety certification that no Kentucky food business can skip.
How do I find current food inspection scores for Boyd County restaurants?▾
Food inspection scores for Boyd County are published by the Gateway District Health Dept.. Contact them at (606) 329-9444 for how to access current inspection results in your county.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Gateway District Health Dept. at (606) 329-9444. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.