Food Handler Card
Not Required
Online Accepted?
Yes (voluntary)
Health Department
Clark County Health Dept.
ℹ️No county-level food handler card requirement exists in Clark 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 Clark County
Clark County, home to Winchester, does not require individual food service workers to hold a food handler card. Clark County is east of Fayette County (Lexington) and is served by its own health department. The lack of a county-level card requirement does not affect the state food manager certification requirement, which applies to all Kentucky food establishments regardless of county. Contact the Clark County Health Department at (859) 744-4482 for food service permit inquiries.
For the most current and authoritative information on food handler requirements in Clark County, contact the Clark County Health Dept. directly at (859) 744-4482. 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 Clark 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 Clark County, confirm your food service permit requirements with the Clark County Health Dept. and ensure your CFPM credential is current before your opening inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Clark County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Clark County?▾
No. Clark 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 Clark County?▾
Contact the Clark County Health Dept. at (859) 744-4482 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 Clark County restaurants?▾
Food inspection scores for Clark County are published by the Clark County Health Dept.. Contact them at (859) 744-4482 for how to access current inspection results in your county.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Clark County Health Dept. at (859) 744-4482. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.