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Omaha, NE Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

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

Key Facts

Deadline
permit required within 30 days of hire
Permit term
valid two years from issuance
Training provider
Douglas County Health Department
CFPM test
ANSI-accredited program required
Transferability
permit is non-transferable, tied to individual

Summary

Omaha requires every employee at a food establishment to hold a valid food handler permit or certified food protection manager credential within 30 days of hire, under City Code § 11-265.

A food establishment permit holder shall arrange for and require all employees to have a valid food handler permit and/or a certified food protection manager as required by this chapter within 30 days from their date of hire. ... Any person that is applying for a food handler permit must successfully complete the training and testing program provided by the Douglas County Health Department.

Source: Omaha Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

The food establishment permit holder must arrange for and require all staff to carry a valid food handler permit and/or certified food protection manager (CFPM) credential within 30 days of their hire date, and keep an up-to-date roster showing each employee's permit number and expiration date for the health director to inspect. Permits come in three tiers (serve/clean, prep/cook, restricted/shift manager) and applicants must pass the training and testing program run by the Douglas County Health Department; a CFPM must pass an ANSI-accredited proficiency test. Permits run two years, are non-transferable, and are issued and enforced by the health director.

Violations & Fines

A food handler permit or CFPM certification can be suspended or revoked for noncompliance with Chapter 11 or the Nebraska Food Code, and an establishment left without the required minimum certified staffing for more than 30 days has its food establishment permit suspended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has to get a food handler permit in Omaha?
Every employee serving, prepping, or managing food at a permitted food establishment, unless exempted (e.g., a directly supervised volunteer or educational-institution employee).
How long is an Omaha food handler permit valid?
Two years from the date of issuance; a certified food protection manager must renew certification once it expires.

Sources & Official References

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All Omaha rules

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