Under Wis. Admin. Code DHS 196 and PHMDC permitting, every Madison restaurant must designate at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) holding an ANSI-CFP accredited certification such as ServSafe.
Wisconsin adopts the FDA Food Code's CFPM requirement through DHS 196. Each licensed food establishment in Madison needs at least one person in charge per shift who has passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (ServSafe, Prometric, or NRFSP) within the last five years. PHMDC verifies CFPM credentials during routine inspections, and operators must produce certificates on request. Wisconsin does not impose a separate state-mandated food-handler card for line workers, though many Madison employers require ServSafe Food Handler training as a workplace policy. Mobile food carts and temporary event vendors face the same CFPM rule when operating more than 14 days per year.
Operating without a current CFPM on staff is a priority violation in PHMDC inspections, can delay permit renewal, and may trigger reinspection fees under Madison fee schedules.
Madison, WI
Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC), the joint city-county agency, inspects Madison restaurants under Wis. Stat. ch. 97 and Wis. Admin. Code DHS 196,...
Madison, WI
Madison issues mobile vending licenses through the Clerk's Office under MGO 9.13. Annual fee ~$500-$1,000. Also requires WI DATCP Mobile Restaurant license. ...
See how Madison's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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