Monroe Township (Middlesex County), NJ Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

Chapter 48, adopted by the Township Council on 6-8-94 and effective November 1, 1994, puts the certification duty on the establishment, not on every counter worker. Section 48-3 requires one or more supervisory personnel to be certified in food safety and sanitation at least once every three years, and the course must be one approved by the State Department of Health. The duty applies whenever potentially hazardous food is served. Section 48-2 defines that term to cover food made in whole or in part of milk or milk products, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, edible crustacea, raw seed sprouts, heat treated vegetables and vegetable products, and other ingredients that support rapid growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms. Foods with a pH level of 4.6 or below or a water activity value of 0.85 or less are excluded.

The rule reaches trucks and carts. Section 48-2 defines a mobile retail food establishment as any movable restaurant, truck, van, trailer, cart, bicycle, watercraft, or other movable unit in or on which food or beverage is transported, stored, or prepared for retail sale or given away at temporary locations. Section 48-3 adds that organizations or groups which hold periodic gatherings and meals should have a responsible officer of the group certified in food safety.

Proof is the owner's job. Under § 48-4 the owner, operator, or supervisory personnel in immediate charge must provide proof of program completion to the satisfaction of any authorized sanitary inspector who asks. Under § 48-5 the inspector can file a summons and complaint in the name of the Township of Monroe, returnable before the Municipal Court of the Township of Monroe.

Chapter 46 adds a separate health layer for people who handle food. Section 46-2 requires an employer to have each new employee examined by a New Jersey licensed physician and to hold the physician's signed certificate before the person starts work. Section 46-3 requires an annual re-examination and a renewal certificate.