Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3717 and the Uniform Food Safety Code require each food service operation in Columbus to have a Person in Charge and a certified food protection manager on staff, with all employees trained in basic food-safety principles.
Under ORC §3717.09 and Ohio Administrative Code 3701-21, every food service operation and retail food establishment must have a Person in Charge present during operating hours and at least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) per facility. The CFPM credential requires passing an ANSI-CFP accredited exam such as ServSafe and is renewable every five years. Columbus Public Health does not issue a separate city food handler card, but requires Level One employee training (typically two-hour curriculum) for non-CFPM staff. Mobile food units, temporary food licenses, and farmers' market vendors must comply when applicable. Inspectors check certification status and training records during routine and complaint inspections.
Operating without a certified food protection manager, expired credentials, or missing employee training records can result in license citations, mandatory corrective action plans, and progressive enforcement up to license suspension.
Columbus, OH
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See how Columbus's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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