Service overview
All food businesses in Philadelphia are required to have at least one person certified in food safety at all times. This rule ensures that all food is prepared safely and according to the Philadelphia Food Code.
You can apply and pay for your City of Philadelphia food safety certificate online, in person, or by mail.
How
Online
The Health Department maintains a list of providers who are approved to provide food safety training. Successfully complete the training to receive a training certificate from the provider.
When applying, your name and the certificate number must be identical matches for what’s printed on the training certificate and on your identification.
You can upload a scanned or photographed image of your training certificate.
This can take up to 10 business days.
Follow the instructions in the email from the Health Department letting you know your certificate was accepted.
A new or renewed food safety certificate (including renewals of expired certificates) costs $30. Replacement certificates cost $50. Fees are non-refundable.
You will need to provide:
- Your training provider, exam date, and certificate number
- Your name, date of birth, and phone number
- Your mailing address
Remember, your name and the certificate number must be identical to what’s printed on the training certificate and on your identification.
In person or by mail
You will need to provide:
- A completed application for food safety certification
- A copy of the training provider’s certificate
- A money order for $30 made out to “PHILA. HEALTH DEPT – EHS”
Mail or bring your materials and payment to:
Department of Public Health, Office of Food Protection
7801 Essington Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19153
The office is open for walk-in hours Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., except for City holidays.
The City will mail the food safety certificate to the address on your application or notify you that your certificate is available to pick up within 30 business days of receiving your completed application.