Iowa FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

FAQs

Does the food manager need to be present at the food establishment at all times?
When four or more employees are operating in a licensed food facility, a minimum of one certified food protection manager must be there. If there are three or less employees, the certified food manager does not need to be present during that time of operation.

Do I need to have a certified food protection manager on board before I open my business?
The law states that you have 30 days to make sure a food establishment has a certified food protection manager employed when a business is just started, there is a change in ownership, or the previous certified food protection manager quits.

Who is excused from the Food Manager Certification requirement?
The following food establishments are not required to employ a certified food protection manager:
1) Food establishments that sell only prepackaged food.
2) Temporary or farmers market food establishments.
3)Food establishments at which food is not prepared, where customers may purchase beverages and where the service of food is limited to the service of ice, beverages, prepackaged snack foods, popcorn or peanuts and to the reheating of commercially prepared foods for immediate service that do not require assembly, such as frozen pizza or prepackaged sandwiches.
4) Food establishments at which food is not prepared, where customers may purchase only commercially prepared non-time/temperature control for safety foods that are dispensed either unpackaged or packaged and that are intended for off-premises consumption.

What training do you provide in Iowa?

• Online Food Manager Training: A self-paced training which is online and incorporates different learning experiences such as graphics, audio and cooperative learning exercises. This is a very effective learning program.

• Online Study Guide: A study guide (20+ pages) which covers the major FDA food theories. This study guide also encompasses Top 5 Tips to Passing the Food Manager Examand two practice tests. This is sent and received through email, but can also be sent and received through the mail for a small shipping and handling fee.

• Food Manager Exam: This test is conducted at a testing center at a spot near you. You can choose the date of your test, but will need to give notice five business days before you arrive to our office. The test given will be Prometric, a nationally accredited Food Manager certification, and is permitted and recognized by state and county health departments.

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