AR · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let a staff food handler card expire unnoticed
Anyone who handles food in Argentina must hold a Food Handler Card (Carnet de Manipulador de Alimentos), issued by the health authority and valid nationwide for three years (Argentine Food Code, Article 21). Renewal requires passing an exam; failing it twice in a row means retaking the full course (Article 21.3).
Anyone who is or may be in contact with food in premises where food or its raw materials are produced, split into portions, stored, transported, sold or otherwise supplied must hold a Food Handler Card (Carnet de Manipulador de Alimentos), issued by the competent health authority and valid throughout Argentina (Argentine Food Code, Article 21.1). Each jurisdiction runs its own issuing system (Article 21.2).
The only requirement to obtain it is to take and pass a Safe Food Handling Training Course of at least seven clock hours, in person or online, with an in-person assessment by a trainer (Article 21.3).
The card is valid for three years. To renew it, passing a knowledge exam is compulsory, and the health authority may also require a refresher course; if the exam is failed twice in a row, the full course must be taken again (Article 21.3).
At a glance
| Validity | 3 years (Food Code, Article 21.3) |
|---|---|
| Renewal | Compulsory knowledge exam; the health authority may require a refresher course (Article 21.3) |
| Issued by | The competent health authority; each jurisdiction runs the system (Article 21.1 and 21.2) |
| Scope | Valid throughout Argentina (Article 21.1) |
| Initial course | At least 7 clock hours, in person or online; in-person assessment (Article 21.3) |
| Where it is kept | At the premises' office, to show the health authority; staff working at more than one site or off-site carry it (Article 21.5) |
The card shows the place and date of issue and the expiry date (Article 21.6). The requirement also covers food delivery riders and people handling food cargo in transport (Food Code, Articles 149 and 154 bis).
Who is responsible?
The employer is responsible for ensuring the conditions for the food handler to obtain the card (Article 21.3). The card is personal and non-transferable; if it is stolen, damaged or lost, a duplicate must be requested (Article 21.5). Provincial health authorities may ask food handlers for any health tests they consider necessary (Article 21.7).
If the deadline passes
After three years the card expires. To renew it the holder must pass the knowledge exam; after two consecutive fails, the training course must be taken again (Article 21.3).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each person who handles food and record the expiry date shown on their card.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day.
- The employee can upload the renewed card through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the store or quality manager; if a card expires, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is Argentina's food handler card valid?
- Three years (Argentine Food Code, Article 21.3).
- Is a card from one province valid in another?
- Yes. The card is valid throughout Argentina, although each jurisdiction runs its own issuing system (Article 21.1 and 21.2).
- What is needed to renew it?
- Passing a knowledge exam; the health authority may also require a refresher course. After two consecutive fails, the course must be repeated (Article 21.3).
- Do delivery riders need one too?
- Yes. People doing quick-cargo transport or home delivery of food must comply with Article 21, and people handling food cargo during transport must hold the card (Food Code, Articles 149 and 154 bis).
Sources
- Código Alimentario Argentino, Capítulo II, artículos 21, 149 y 154 bis (ANMAT, actualización 2025-04, argentina.gob.ar)
- Resolución Conjunta 12/2019 (rectificada por la Resolución Conjunta 25/2019): sustituye el artículo 21 del Código Alimentario Argentino (argentina.gob.ar)
Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each food handler card (Argentina) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each food handler card (Argentina) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.