Compensation Required for Food Handler Certification in California
As a Human Resources executive, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations regarding employee compensation. In October of 2019, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 476, which requires food facility employers to pay an employee for any cost associated with obtaining a food handler card. This law considers the time it takes for the employee to complete the training and certification program to be compensable as hours worked.
As a result of this new law, food facility employers in California now must provide reasonable compensation for the time their employees spend obtaining their food handler card. This includes the cost of the card itself, any associated fees, and the time it takes the employee to complete the training and certification program.
It is important to note that this law applies to all food facility employers in California, regardless of the size or type of business. This means that restaurants, bakeries, catering companies, and any other food-related business must comply with the new law.
When determining the amount of compensation required for an employee to obtain a food handler card, it is important to consider the following factors:
1. The cost of the card itself. This will vary depending on the type of card the employee needs, and may include fees for the card, the training program, or both.
2. The amount of time required for the employee to complete the training and certification program. This will vary depending on the type of card the employee needs, and may include time spent in a classroom setting or online.
3. The employee’s pay rate. This is the hourly wage the employee earns, and is used to calculate the total amount of compensation required for the employee to obtain a food handler card.
4. Any applicable state or federal laws. It is important to familiarize yourself with any applicable state or federal laws regarding employee compensation, as these may have an impact on the amount of compensation required for an employee to obtain a food handler card.
In addition to providing reasonable compensation for the cost of obtaining a food handler card, it is important for food facility employers in California to ensure their employees are properly trained in food safety. This includes providing the necessary training and certification for employees to obtain their food handler card.
It is also important for food facility employers to ensure they are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding employee compensation. This includes understanding the new law regarding food handler certification, as well as any applicable state or federal laws regarding employee compensation.
By staying up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations regarding employee compensation, food facility employers in California can ensure their employees are properly compensated for the time they spend obtaining their food handler card. This not only provides employees with the necessary resources to receive their food handler card, but also helps ensure food facility employers in California remain in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
