St. Louis food establishments must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff, following Missouri Food Code adoption. Frontline food handlers are not individually card-required citywide.
Under the Missouri Food Code adopted by St. Louis through Title V, every permitted food establishment must designate a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) who has passed an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe. The CFPM is responsible for staff training in safe handling, allergen awareness, and time-temperature controls. Unlike some Missouri jurisdictions that require individual food handler cards for every employee, St. Louis City does not currently mandate a citywide handler-card program, though many operators voluntarily train all staff. Permits and certificates must be available for inspector review.
Operating without a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff results in priority violations on inspection, fines, and possible permit action by the Health Department.
See how St. Louis's food handler certification rules stack up against other locations.
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