Health Division - Food Manager Certification Program
Code RequirementsEffective October 1, 2001, the Massachusetts Food Establishment Regulation, 105 CMR 590:003(A)(2) requires food establishments to have at least one person-in-charge (PIC) who is a certified food protection manager. This person must be at least eighteen years of age and be a full-time equivalent on-site manager or supervisor. When the certified PIC in unavailable during operating hours, an alternate PIC must be assigned. The alternate PIC does not require certification; however, this person must be knowledgeable in food safety, foodborne illness prevention and corrective actions.
All food establishments must have a certified food protection manager except the following:
- Temporary food establishments operated by non-profit organizations
- Daycare operations which prepare and/or serve only snacks
- Food establishments which sell only pre-packaged food
- Food establishments with limited preparation of non-potentially hazardous food
- Food establishments which prepare and serve USDA meat and poultry products containing 120 PPM nitrite and 3.5% brine concentration, such as hotdogs
Massachusetts has adopted the food manager certification in order to protect public health and prevent foodborne illness. A certificate implies that a person has knowledge of food safety and the prevention of foodborne illness through the control of risk factors. The certified person must be able to apply this knowledge in day-to-day operations in order to provide consumers with safe food.
Responsibility of the Certified Food Manager
The certified food protection manager is responsible for monitoring and managing all food establishment operations ensuring that the facility is operating in compliance with food establishment regulations. The certified PIC must be knowledgeable about foodborne illness prevention and must use this knowledge to recognize hazards and take appropriate preventive and corrective actions.
How to Become a Certified Food Protection Manager
A PIC becomes a certified food protection manager by passing one of four accredited examinations. The four accredited examination development companies are:
- Certifying Board for Dietary Managers, 1-800-323-1908
- Experior Assessments, 1-800-200-6241
- National registry of Food safety Professionals, 1-800-446-0257
- National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (ServSafe), 1-800-765-2122
Although training is not a Massachusetts requirement, it is strongly recommended. Most consultants and organizations conduct training and then administer an exam. Training is usually needed in order to pass the examination.
How to Find Training
To find food protection training in your area, contact your local board of health. The Boston Inspectional Services Department, Division of Health Inspections is located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Fourth Floor, Roxbury, MA 02118. We will provide you with a list of trainers who have submitted their course dates and times to us. The four examination organizations may also be contacted to obtain information on training in the Massachusetts area.
Length of Certification
At this time, the Department of Public Health has not established a re-certification requirement.
