Public Health Rules in Nashville, TN (2026)
7 verified public health rules for Nashville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
Metro Public Health Department inspects Nashville food service establishments at least twice yearly under TN Department of Health rules, scoring 0-100 with a passing threshold of 70. Inspection placards must be posted visibly near the main entrance.
Restaurant inspection grades and posting rules
Some RestrictionsRodent Control
Metro Code Title 10 and MPHD rules require Nashville property owners to keep premises free of rodent harborage. The health department inspects on complaint and can order baiting, structural repairs, and removal of food and shelter sources.
Rat and rodent abatement on private property
Some RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
Tennessee landlord-tenant law and Metro property maintenance code together require Nashville rental and lodging operators to address confirmed bed bug infestations promptly. MPHD can inspect when written complaints describe a public health nuisance.
Bed bug response duties for landlords and hotels
Some RestrictionsSyringe Disposal
Tennessee authorized syringe services programs under TCA 68-1-136 in 2017 with local approval. Nashville Metro authorized syringe services through MPHD partners; used sharps must be sealed in rigid containers and never placed loose in trash or recycling.
Sharps disposal and syringe services in Nashville
Few RestrictionsHealthy Food Retail
Nashville does not mandate stocking standards for corner stores. MPHD and Metro partners run voluntary healthy food retail initiatives that incentivize fresh produce, water, and low-sodium options, particularly in census tracts identified as limited supermarket access.
Healthy corner store and food access programs
Few RestrictionsCalorie Labeling
Nashville does not impose its own menu labeling rule; chain restaurants with 20 or more locations comply with the federal FDA menu labeling regulation under the Affordable Care Act. MPHD inspectors note labeling presence but do not enforce calorie content.
Menu calorie labeling at chain restaurants
Few RestrictionsFood Handler Certification
Tennessee adopts the FDA Food Code, requiring each Nashville food service establishment to employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager who has passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam. MPHD inspectors verify certificates during routine inspections.
Certified food protection manager requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Davidson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Nashville city rules.
Public Health Rules in Davidson County →