Food Handler Card
Not Required
Online Accepted?
Yes (voluntary)
Health Department
Barren River District Health Dept.
ℹ️No county-level food handler card requirement exists in Warren 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 Warren County
Warren County, home to Bowling Green, does not currently require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. The Barren River District Health Department serves Warren and several surrounding counties. If you are a food worker in Bowling Green, no county ordinance requires you to purchase a handler certificate. However, every food establishment in Warren County must still comply with the Kentucky state food manager certification requirement. Verify the current status with the Barren River District Health Department, as the county's Board of Health can adopt new requirements at any time.
For the most current and authoritative information on food handler requirements in Warren County, contact the Barren River District Health Dept. directly at (270) 781-8039 or visit barrenriverhealth.org. 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 Warren 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 Warren County, confirm your food service permit requirements with the Barren River District Health Dept. and ensure your CFPM credential is current before your opening inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Warren County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Warren County?▾
No. Warren 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 Warren County?▾
Contact the Barren River District Health Dept. at (270) 781-8039 or visit barrenriverhealth.org 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 Warren County restaurants?▾
Food inspection scores for Warren County are published by the Barren River District Health Dept.. Contact them at (270) 781-8039 or check barrenriverhealth.org for how to access current inspection results in your county.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Barren River District Health Dept. at (270) 781-8039. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.