Charlotte food establishments must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff during operating hours under the NC Food Code, with credentials from ANSI-accredited programs like ServSafe.
Under 15A NCAC 18A .2600 (the NC Food Code), every permitted food establishment in Mecklenburg County must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) who has passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam such as ServSafe, National Registry, or Prometric. The certificate must be available for inspection. Charlotte has no separate municipal food handler card requirement for line staff, unlike some West Coast cities. Mobile food units, caterers, and sit-down restaurants all fall under the rule. Certification is valid for five years and must be renewed by re-examination.
Operating without a CFPM on staff is a critical violation that deducts points on the next sanitation inspection and can lead to permit suspension if uncorrected.
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See how Charlotte's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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