Overview
Alabama's food safety program is administered by the Food, Milk, and Lodging Division of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Under ADPH Food Rules Chapter 420-3-22-.02, every food establishment that serves or prepares potentially hazardous food must have a designated Person in Charge (PIC) with a valid, ANAB-accredited food safety certification on the premises during all hours of operation. Alabama's food code is currently based on the 2013 FDA Food Code, with adoption of the updated 2022 FDA Food Code anticipated by late 2025.
Who Must Be Certified?
Food Protection Managers (CFPM)
Under Chapter 420-3-22-.02 of the ADPH Food Rules, every food establishment must designate a Person in Charge (PIC) who holds a current, valid certification from an ANAB-CFP accredited program. The PIC must be on the premises during all operating hours. Important exemptions apply to lower-risk establishment categories:
- Priority Category 1 & 2 establishments (selling only prepackaged TCS items, or establishments with no raw animal foods and no reused tableware) are exempt from the CFPM requirement.
- Priority Category 3 & 4 establishments — full-service restaurants, cafeterias, catering operations, food trucks — require ANAB-CFP certification.
- Temporary food establishments may have separate requirements at the county level.
Food Handlers
Statewide Requirement: No statewide mandate (Jefferson and Mobile counties require it locally)
Alabama does not have a statewide food handler card mandate for all employees. However, two counties have local requirements that go beyond state law:Accepted Certification Programs
Alabama accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs are accepted statewide:
| Provider | Certification | Format | Approximate Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServSafe (NRA) | ServSafe Manager Certification | Online or In-Person | ~$36 exam; ~$175 with course | servsafe.com |
| StateFoodSafety | Food Protection Manager Certification | Online | ~$99–$149 | statefoodsafety.com |
| National Registry (NRFSP) | Food Safety Manager Certification | Online or In-Person | ~$99–$125 | nrfsp.com |
| 360training | Food Manager Certification (ANAB) | Online | ~$99 | 360training.com |
| Prometric | National Registry Exam | In-Person Test Centers | ~$80–$110 | prometric.com |
Costs are approximate as of 2026. Verify current pricing with providers. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.
How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Alabama
Step 1: Study (Recommended — 8 to 16 Hours)
While Alabama does not require a mandatory pre-exam training course, most candidates study for 8–16 hours before attempting the CFPM exam. The exam has an approximately 65% pass rate for unprepared candidates. All of the providers listed above offer study courses.
Step 2: Register for the Exam
Register through any ANAB-CFP accredited provider. Online exams with remote proctoring are available from ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360training, and NRFSP. In-person exam sessions are available through ServSafe-authorized proctors and Prometric test centers throughout Alabama.
Step 3: Take and Pass the Exam
The exam contains approximately 80 questions. A passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are generally available immediately for computer-based exams. If you do not pass, most providers allow a retake after a waiting period (typically 24–72 hours) for an additional fee.
Step 4: Keep Your Certificate On-Site
Your CFPM certificate must be kept on-site at your food establishment and made available for health inspectors upon request. Some jurisdictions in Alabama require the certificate to be posted visibly — check with your local health department for specific requirements.
Step 5: Renew Every 5 Years
Food Manager Certifications are valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking and passing an ANAB-CFP accredited exam before your expiration date. There is no shortened renewal exam — the renewal exam is the same as the original.
Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses in Alabama
Alabama has one of the more flexible cottage food frameworks in the Southeast, significantly expanded by Senate Bill 160 in 2021. Key facts under the current law (Chapter 420-3-22-.01):What You Can Sell
Non-potentially-hazardous (non-TCS) foods only, including: baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, pies), jams and jellies, candy and fudge, dried herbs and herb mixes, dried fruits and vegetables, roasted coffee, and fermented fruits/vegetables (with pH verification from a processing authority or Alabama Cooperative Extension Service).
Annual Sales Limit
No sales limit — the previous $20,000 annual cap was removed by the 2021 revision (SB 160, effective August 1, 2021). This makes Alabama unusually permissive compared to many states.
Where You Can Sell
Direct to consumers only — at farmers markets, state-sanctioned markets, roadside stands, from your home, or online with in-state delivery. You may hire an agent to deliver or ship within Alabama. Sales to restaurants, grocery stores, or for resale are not permitted.
Registration & Certification Required
Food safety training is required — producers must complete an ADPH-approved food safety course (ANSI-accredited) before selling. Current certification must be maintained. Registration with your local county health department is also required. Jefferson County requires a specific registration form.
Required Labeling
All products must be labeled with: product name, name and address of the cottage food operation, list of ingredients, allergen disclosure for all Big 9 allergens (including sesame as of 2023), net weight or volume, and the statement: "This product was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the Alabama Department of Public Health or your county health department."
City & County Variations in Alabama
While Alabama state law sets baseline food safety requirements, local health departments may enforce stricter standards. Always verify requirements with your specific county or municipal health department in addition to the state agency.