California Health and Safety Code, Section 113716, was recently amended to require most retail food facilities that handle unpackaged food of any kind employ a person who is certified in -food safety. Certification in food safety simply means that you or at least one of your employees will be required to have a basic knowledge as to the causes of foodborne illness and its prevention, pass an approved examination, and possess a valid certificate in food safety.

In Los Angeles County, effective January 16, 1999, all food facilities located within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County are required to have at least one employee who is certified in food safety. In those incorporated cities that have adopted the ordinance, the effective date is one year from the passing of the ordinance.

Beginning January 1, 2000, all remaining retail food facilities - restaurant, market, bakery, mobile food preparation unit, and commissary - will have to meet this now requirement. Failure to have at least one certified person may result in loss of your permit to operate. The certified person must be employed by the business. but need not be present at all times. In addition, this certified person may not satisfy the requirement for more than one facility.

Certification must be renewed by passing an approved examination every three years. Facilities which begin operation after January 1, 2000 or lose their certified employee after that date will have 60 days to comply.