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Hennepin County, MN Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing law
Hennepin County Ordinance No. 3, § 8.1(E)
State rule adopted
Minn. R. 4626.0033, subp. B(4)
Exempt establishments
Person in charge must be trained
Enforced by
County Health Authority

Summary

Hennepin County adopts the state certified food manager rule, exempting some food establishments if the person in charge still gets sanitation training.

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

Minnesota Rules, Part 4626.0033, Subpart B (4) CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS. Exemptions. These exempted food establishments are not required to have a certified food manager, but the person in charge required by 4626.0025 in these food establishments must be trained in basic food sanitation as determined by the Health Authority.

Source: Minn. Rules 4626.2015View official code

Full Breakdown

Under its food protection ordinance, Hennepin County incorporates Minnesota Rules Chapter 4626 as an operating standard, including Part 4626.0033 governing certified food manager requirements. The county specifically adopts the exemption provision of that rule: establishments falling within the exemption do not need a certified food manager, but the person in charge must still receive basic food sanitation training as determined by the county Health Authority.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a certified food manager or, for exempt establishments, without a trained person in charge is a violation subject to correction orders and can support license denial, suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Hennepin County food establishment need a certified food manager?
No. Establishments that qualify for the state exemption instead need the person in charge trained in basic food sanitation as the Health Authority determines.
What rule does Hennepin County cite for this exemption?
Minnesota Rules Part 4626.0033, Subpart B(4), adopted as a standard under Hennepin County Ordinance No. 3, Section 8.1(E).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hennepin County

All Hennepin County rules

Compare Hennepin County to another location·View the Minnesota public health rules overview

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