Food Handler Card
Not Required
Online Accepted?
Yes (voluntary)
Health Department
Jessamine County Health Dept.
ℹ️No county-level food handler card requirement exists in Jessamine 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 Jessamine County
Jessamine County, immediately south of Fayette County (Lexington), does not currently require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. This is an important distinction for food workers who live in Nicholasville but may also work in Lexington — if your job is in Fayette County, that county's mandatory in-person card requirement applies to you. If your job is solely in Jessamine County, no county-level card is required. Contact the Jessamine County Health Department at (859) 885-4149 for current food service permit and inspection information.
For the most current and authoritative information on food handler requirements in Jessamine County, contact the Jessamine County Health Dept. directly at (859) 885-4149. 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 Jessamine 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 Jessamine County, confirm your food service permit requirements with the Jessamine County Health Dept. and ensure your CFPM credential is current before your opening inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Jessamine County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Jessamine County?▾
No. Jessamine 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 Jessamine County?▾
Contact the Jessamine County Health Dept. at (859) 885-4149 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 Jessamine County restaurants?▾
Food inspection scores for Jessamine County are published by the Jessamine County Health Dept.. Contact them at (859) 885-4149 for how to access current inspection results in your county.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Jessamine County Health Dept. at (859) 885-4149. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.