Do Grocery Store Workers and Cashiers Need a Food Handler Card in Texas?

Yes. In Texas, anyone who handles unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces must have a valid food handler card. This includes grocery deli and bakery staff, baristas, and convenience-store workers who prepare or serve open food.

The rule is about whether you handle open (unpackaged) food — not your job title:

• Needs a card: slicing deli meat, making sandwiches or coffee, serving hot food, prepping produce, or handling food-contact surfaces.
• Usually does not: a cashier who only rings up sealed, pre-packaged items such as a bag of chips or a canned drink.

The 30-day rule: Texas gives new food employees 30 days from their date of hire to complete an accredited food handler course (Texas Food Establishment Rules §228.31). Most employers want it done before your first shift.