Which of the following statements about Food Handler Card recordkeeping and posting is correct under California law?
Explanation
California Health & Safety Code §113948(c) requires the employer to maintain records documenting that each food handler has a valid Food Handler Card, and to make those records available to the local enforcement agency upon request during inspections. The worker is the legal owner of the card itself — they can take it with them between employers within the 3-year validity period — but the employer carries the recordkeeping burden for the duration of employment. Option A is wrong because the card is a personal credential, not a customer-facing posting; what IS posted publicly is the facility's most recent health inspection score (a separate requirement under local ordinance, e.g., Los Angeles County's letter grade system). Option B is wrong because records should be retained per the employer's general retention policy and at minimum through any inspection cycle that may review prior-period staffing. Option D contradicts the statutory employer obligation. A common best practice is to scan the card on day 1, file it electronically, and set a 36-month renewal reminder, which addresses both the recordkeeping and the renewal obligations.
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