Mississippi requires every permitted food establishment in Jackson to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff under MSDH adoption of the FDA Food Code. Routine food handlers are not separately licensed by the state.
Under Mississippi Food Code rules adopted by MSDH, Jackson restaurants, cafeterias, and food service operations must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager who has passed an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe, National Registry, or Prometric. Certifications are valid five years. The certified manager must be reasonably available during operating hours and is responsible for staff training on safe food handling, allergen awareness, and sanitation. Mississippi does not require individual food handler cards for line cooks or servers, unlike some states. Mobile food units, temporary event vendors, and school kitchens are subject to the same manager requirement. MSDH inspectors verify certificates during routine inspections and cite missing documentation.
MSDH citations during routine inspection, repeat-offender follow-up visits, and possible permit suspension for sustained noncompliance with the certified manager rule.
Jackson, MS
Mississippi State Department of Health inspects Jackson food establishments under state Food Code rules. MSDH does not issue letter grades like Los Angeles o...
Jackson, MS
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See how Jackson's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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