Food Handler Card
Not Required
Online Accepted?
Yes (voluntary)
Health Department
Hardin County Health Dept.
ℹ️No county-level food handler card requirement exists in Hardin 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 Hardin County
Hardin County, home to Elizabethtown and Radcliff, does not currently require individual food workers to hold a county-issued food handler card. The Hardin County Health Department oversees food service permits and inspections for the county. Note that the nearby Fort Knox military installation has its own food service regulatory oversight separate from the county health department. Verify current requirements with the Hardin County Health Department at (270) 765-5252.
For the most current and authoritative information on food handler requirements in Hardin County, contact the Hardin County Health Dept. directly at (270) 765-5252. 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 Hardin 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 Hardin County, confirm your food service permit requirements with the Hardin County Health Dept. and ensure your CFPM credential is current before your opening inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hardin County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Hardin County?▾
No. Hardin 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 Hardin County?▾
Contact the Hardin County Health Dept. at (270) 765-5252 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 Hardin County restaurants?▾
Food inspection scores for Hardin County are published by the Hardin County Health Dept.. Contact them at (270) 765-5252 for how to access current inspection results in your county.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Hardin County Health Dept. at (270) 765-5252. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.