Chattanooga, TN Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Ch. 20, Art. VII, Div. 2, § 20-143
- Issuing agency
- Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Dept.
- Certificate validity
- 12 months
- Exam fee
- $5.00
Summary
Every food service employee in Chattanooga must hold a health certificate from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department showing freedom from tuberculosis and other communicable disease, renewed every 12 months.
Every employee working in a food service establishment shall have a certificate issued by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department or by another public health department or licensed physician in the state, stating that such person has been examined and found free of tuberculosis or other obvious communicable diseases. The health department or physician shall issue to all such persons examined and found to be free of tuberculosis or other obvious communicable diseases a certificate that shall be good for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of its issue. Each such employee at or prior to the expiration of the twelve (12) months shall present himself for reexamination and obtain a new certificate.
(Code 1986, § 20-143)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chattanooga City Code § 20-143 requires every employee working in a food service establishment, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, caterers, and similar operations, to hold a certificate from the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, another public health department, or a licensed physician showing they've been examined and found free of tuberculosis or other obvious communicable disease. The certificate is valid for 12 months, after which the employee must be re-examined for a new one. Sec. 20-144 requires the establishment's owner to keep a copy on-site for inspection, and Sec. 20-145 sets a $5 exam fee.
Violations & Fines
Employees or establishments operating without a current, on-site certificate are subject to the general Code of Ordinances violation penalties for Chapter 20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chattanooga restaurant workers need a health certificate?
How often must a Chattanooga food worker renew their health certificate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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