Detroit, MI Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Detroit City Code § 19-3-31
- Certification path
- Accredited food protection manager program
- Enforcing agency
- Detroit Health Department
- Alternative to certification
- Correctly answer inspector's questions
Summary
Detroit food establishments must have a person in charge who demonstrates food safety knowledge to inspectors: certified food protection manager status is one of three ways to satisfy it.
The person in charge shall demonstrate this knowledge by: (1)Complying with this article by having no violations of priority items during the current inspection; (2)Being a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program; or (3)Responding correctly to the inspector's questions...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Detroit City Code § 19-3-31 requires the person in charge at any food establishment to demonstrate foodborne-disease-prevention knowledge to the Health Department during inspections. Section 19-3-31 allows this three ways: no priority-item violations found during the current inspection, holding certification as a food protection manager through an accredited program, or answering the inspector's food-safety questions correctly. Section 19-3-32 confirms that certification from a Conference for Food Protection-accredited program automatically satisfies the requirement.
Violations & Fines
Failure to demonstrate the required knowledge during a Health Department inspection is a code violation on its own; food establishment permits are enforced and can be suspended or revoked under Chapter 28, Licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Detroit food worker need a food handler card?
What certification qualifies in Detroit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Detroit
Compare Detroit to another location·View the Michigan public health rules overview
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Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle food handler certification.