Individual Worker Card
Not Required
Voluntary Cost
$10–$25 online
Health Department
Columbus Public Health / Franklin County Board of Health
Manager Cert. Required?
Yes — OH State Law
Website
columbus.gov/publichealth
ℹ️No individual food worker card is required in Franklin County. Ohio state law requires a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per establishment and a Person-in-Charge (PIC) present during all hours of operation.
Does Franklin County Require a Food Handler Card?
Franklin County, home to Columbus (Ohio's capital and largest city), does not require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. Columbus Public Health handles food safety licensing and inspections within Columbus city limits, while the Franklin County Board of Health covers suburban areas. Neither requires a county-level worker certification beyond the state CFPM requirement. Columbus has a large and growing food service industry, but individual handler cards remain voluntary for workers.
For the most current requirements in Franklin County, contact the Columbus Public Health / Franklin County Board of Health at (614) 645-7417 or visit columbus.gov/publichealth. Local boards of health can adopt food safety ordinances beyond the state minimum at any time.
What IS Required in Ohio: The PIC and CFPM Rules
While individual food worker cards are not required, Ohio state law imposes two food safety requirements on every food establishment in Franklin County and throughout Ohio:
- Person-in-Charge (PIC): Under Ohio Administrative Code 3717-1-02.4, a Person-in-Charge must be present and demonstrably knowledgeable about food safety during all hours of operation.
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM): At least one employee per food operation must hold a valid CFPM credential from an ANAB-accredited program. ServSafe is the most widely used option. The exam typically costs $130–$180 and is valid for approximately 5 years.
These requirements apply equally to every licensed food establishment in Franklin County — restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias, catering operations, and temporary food events. Inspectors from the Columbus Public Health / Franklin County Board of Health verify compliance during routine inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions — Franklin County
Is a food handler card required to work at a restaurant in Franklin County?▾
No. Franklin County does not require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. Ohio state law requires a Certified Food Protection Manager and a Person-in-Charge per establishment, but individual worker cards are voluntary. If an employer requires one, that is a company policy, not an Ohio or county legal mandate.
Who do I contact about food service permits or inspections in Franklin County?▾
Contact the Columbus Public Health / Franklin County Board of Health at (614) 645-7417 or visit columbus.gov/publichealth for all food service permit applications, inspections, and food safety questions in Franklin County.
What is the Ohio Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement?▾
Under Ohio state law, every food establishment must have at least one employee who holds a valid Certified Food Protection Manager credential from an ANAB-accredited program. ServSafe is the most common exam used in Ohio. The exam costs approximately $130–$180 and must be renewed every 5 years. This applies to all food businesses in Franklin County regardless of size.
Could Franklin County add a food handler card requirement in the future?▾
Yes. Local boards of health in Ohio have the authority to adopt food safety requirements beyond the state minimum. If Franklin County were to pass an ordinance requiring individual worker cards, this page would become outdated. Always verify current requirements with the Columbus Public Health / Franklin County Board of Health at (614) 645-7417 for the most up-to-date information.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Columbus Public Health / Franklin County Board of Health at (614) 645-7417. Requirements can change.