There are not any Mississippi food handlers card requirements for common restaurant employees according to current Mississippi food safety regulations.
Note: While searching online for Mississippi requirements for food handlers it is easy to become confused. Many sites will advertise that they have the test that you need to take. As you now know though, Mississippi does not require a food handlers card and therefore those sites are being deceptive.
What the state of Mississippi does require though, is that at least one person in an establishment receives a Food Manager’s Certificate, also known as a Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPM) card.
The state of Mississippi believes that as long as a single person in an establishment has been certified as a food manager, they will be able to teach other employees on food safety knowledge.
Now, although you may not be required to receive a Mississippi food handlers card or a food manager’s certificate you may still want to be certified regardless…
Should you get certified as a food handler regardless of state law?
Although, as we have covered, the state of Mississippi does not require food handlers become certified, it may still be in your best interest to do so. A food handlers card proves to potential employers that you know how to safely handle food and can therefore help boos your resume.
Some restaurant managers will actually make it mandatory in order to receive employment.
What is the Mississippi Food Managers Certification?
Mississippi requires licensed retail food facilities to have at least one certified food manager on staff. The Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) card covers this requirement.
In order to receive a food managers certificate or CFPM card, one must take a state-approved food safety course for managers… and successfully pass their test.
Mississippi currently recognizes and accepts certifications from ONLY the following National ANSI Certified Food Manager programs:
- 360Training.com, Inc.
- AboveTraining/StateFoodSafety.com
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
- National Restaurant Association
- Prometrics Inc.
- Always Food Safe
Keep in mind, local county health departments are the regulatory bodies that oversees all food safety laws. Each county’s regulations may vary or evolve over the years.
Thus, it’s important to ALWAYS double check with your local health department on Mississippi food handling requirements, in addition to other retail food establishment specifics. Start here for more information.