CA SB602

Requires food handlers hired before June 1, 2011 to obtain a food handler card by July 1, 2011; those hired after June 1, 2011 must obtain a card within 30 days of hire and maintain valid cards for three years.

Mandates food handler training courses include basic instruction on foodborne illness, time-temperature relationships, personal hygiene, contamination prevention, and sanitation, completable in approximately 2.5 hours with at least 40 assessment questions.

Requires at least one food handler training course to cost no more than $15 including the card; if unavailable at that cost, the food handler card requirement does not apply.

Exempts certain facilities from food handler card requirements, including certified farmer's markets, commissaries, grocery stores, school cafeterias, and facilities providing approved in-house food safety training at no cost to employees.

Requires at least one accredited food safety certification examination to be offered online and at no more than $60 including the certificate.