Tennessee requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff at every Memphis food establishment. Other food handlers do not need state-mandated cards, but employers commonly require ServSafe-style training.
Under Tennessee Food Safety Rule 1200-23-01, every retail food establishment in Memphis must have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) employed and reasonably available during operating hours. The CFPM must hold a current certificate from an ANSI-accredited program such as ServSafe, Prometric, or 360 Training, valid for five years. Tennessee does not impose a statewide food handler card requirement on every employee, but Shelby County inspectors expect line staff to demonstrate basic food safety knowledge during inspections. Many Memphis employers require ServSafe Food Handler training for all kitchen staff as a condition of employment, even though it is not state-mandated.
Operating without a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff is a critical inspection violation that can lower the establishment's Sapphire score and trigger follow-up inspection within 10 days.
Memphis, TN
Shelby County Health Department inspects food establishments under Memphis-Shelby Sapphire grading. Scores are posted at the entrance and published online so...
Memphis, TN
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See how Memphis's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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