South Dakota does not mandate a statewide food handler card, but Sioux Falls food establishments must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager under the SD Food Service Code.
Under ARSD 44:02:07 and SDCL Title 34, every Sioux Falls retail food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff with credentials from an ANSI-accredited program such as ServSafe. Individual employee food handler cards are encouraged but not legally required statewide. Mobile food units, including food trucks operating in Sioux Falls under Chapter 38, must comply with the same manager rule. Temporary event food vendors at Falls Park or downtown events follow a streamlined permit issued through the Sioux Falls Health Department.
Operating a food establishment without a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff is a state Food Service Code violation that can lead to license suspension and city closure orders.
See how Sioux Falls's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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