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DeKalb County, GA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Enforced by
DeKalb Co. Board of Health
Applies to
all food service permit holders
Penalty
permit suspension or court action
May require
CFSM refresher course
Base standard
GA Food Service Code ch. 290-5-14

Summary

DeKalb County food service establishments must employ a Certified Food Safety Manager; skipping that requirement can bring court action or suspension of the food service permit.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Certified food safety manager (CFSM)—Enforcement.(A)Failure to comply with the requirement to employ a CFSM shall subject the establishment to legal action by the health authority which may include court action or suspension of the food service permit.(B)The health authority may require the CFSM to complete a refresher course when continuous violations of the Code occur; a food-borne outbreak implicates food processed in the establishment supervised by the CFSM; or when the health authority determines that such a course is necessary to acquaint an owner or operator with current developments in food protection principles.(C)After enforcement or penalty actions of any kind, the health authority may:(i)Require the owner or operator to develop a risk control plan subject to approval that includes, but is not limited to:(I)Identification of hazards in the day-to-day operation of the food service establishment;(II)Development and implementation of policies and procedures to prevent food-borne illness;(III)Food preparation activities and corrective action taken, as needed, to protect the health of the consumer.(ii)Require an additional CFSM be on staff to allow at least one (1) CFSM manager to be physically present whenever the establishment is in operation. (Ord. No. 08-07, Pt. I, 4-8-08; Ord. No. 08-08, Pt. I, 4-8-08)

Secs. 13-282—13-299. - Reserved.

Full Breakdown

DeKalb County adopts the state's Food Service Rules (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 290-5-14) and layers on its own Certified Food Safety Manager mandate. Under Sec. 13-281(b)(3), any establishment holding a food service permit from the DeKalb County Board of Health, called the health authority in the code, must keep a CFSM on staff. Skipping that requirement exposes the operator to court action or suspension of the permit. After repeat violations, a foodborne outbreak, or any enforcement action, the health authority can also order a CFSM refresher course, a written risk-control plan, or a second CFSM so one is present whenever the establishment operates.

Violations & Fines

Failure to comply with the requirement to employ a CFSM subjects the establishment to legal action by the health authority, which may include court action or suspension of the food service permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does DeKalb County require restaurants to have a certified food safety manager?
Yes. Code Sec. 13-281(b)(3) requires a CFSM; noncompliance subjects the establishment to legal action or suspension of its food service permit by the health authority.
Who enforces DeKalb County's food safety manager rule?
The DeKalb County Board of Health, the code's 'health authority,' which can also order a CFSM refresher course after repeat violations or a foodborne outbreak.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

All DeKalb County rules

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