Which establishments are exempt from the Food Safety Certification requirement?

• A mobile food service unit that does not process foods;
• Food service establishments that serve non-potentially hazardous foods which require limited preparation, or those potentially hazardous foods which have been previously prepared in a permitted food service establishment

Do I need to keep a copy of the manager’s food safety certification at the food establishment?

Yes, the original Certified Food Safety Manager certificate must be posted in public view in each food service establishment. An additional copy shall be retained on file at the food service establishment at all times, and shall be made available for inspection by the Health Authority.

Does the Certified Food Safety Manager need to be present at the food facility at all times?

The Certified Food Safety Manager does not need to be present during all hours of operation. However, the holder of the food safety certification must designate someone else to be the person in charge when they are not on the premises.

Do I need to have a Certified Food Safety Manager employed before I open my business?

A food service establishment will have 90 days from the date of initial permit issuance, change of ownership permit issuance, or termination of its certified food safety manager (CFSM) to employ a new manager who has completed the food safety certification program.

What are the Certified Food Safety Manager’s (CSFM) Responsibilities?

The CSFM shall:

• Be the person in charge when they are on the premises of the food service establishment and shall designate someone else to be the person in charge when they are not on the premises.
• Supervise and instruct food service employees in the techniques of sanitary food handling and proper maintenance of the facility.
• Offer a training program for their employees to satisfy employee proficiency in their job responsibility for food safety
• Communicate with representatives of the Health Authority about the effectiveness of employee training programs; and
• Assess training needs of the food service employees and request formal training as needed.

What training and certification options do you provide in Georgia?