Albuquerque Food Handlers Card: New Mexico County Requirements (2026)

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department

How Albuquerque differs from the rest of New Mexico

The state Food Safety Program has no jurisdiction here — the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County run their own food safety programs. Albuquerque's Food Service and Retail Ordinance (effective August 1, 2024) sets the city's own food handler card requirement.

For the statewide picture, see the full New Mexico food handlers card guide.

What Albuquerque requires

Inside the City of Albuquerque, the Environmental Health Department enforces the Food Service and Retail Ordinance, which took effect August 1, 2024, with implementing rules adopted August 18, 2024. Food employees who handle food, utensils, or food-contact surfaces must obtain a food handler card from an accredited program — the city recognizes ANSI/ANAB-accredited courses, the same kind accepted statewide. Four groups are exempt: Certified Food Protection Managers, employees who handle only non-TCS foods, temporary-event workers (though the person in charge at the event must hold a card or manager certification), and employees at facilities with a city-approved company training program. Exempt workers must still receive employer-provided food safety training, with records kept for the length of employment. Unincorporated Bernalillo County runs its own program and has adopted the 2022 FDA Food Code with local amendments — check with the county for specifics if your workplace is outside city limits.

Where to get your card in Albuquerque

Cost

No separate city card fee is published — you pay your ANSI/ANAB course provider (about $8–$15). Confirm current details with the Albuquerque Environmental Health Department..

Albuquerque FAQ