ACHD Article III requires every Pittsburgh food facility to designate a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff during operating hours; certification comes from ANSI-accredited programs like ServSafe and must be renewed every five years.
Allegheny County aligns with FDA Food Code, requiring at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per facility. The CFPM oversees temperature control, allergen handling, employee illness exclusion, and sanitation procedures. Acceptable certifications include ServSafe, Prometric, and National Registry of Food Safety Professionals. Certificates last five years. ACHD inspectors check certificate posting at every visit; absence triggers a violation. Pittsburgh restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and grocery delis all fall within scope. Employees beyond the manager are encouraged to complete food handler basics but no countywide handler card mandate exists.
Missing CFPM cited as priority foundation violation; fines $150-$500 per inspection; repeat absence may escalate to license suspension or required corrective-action plan.
See how Pittsburgh's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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