Overview
Arkansas food safety is governed by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Division of Environmental Health, under the Arkansas Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Rules. These rules, authorized under Ark. Code Ann. §20-57-101, align with the 2017 FDA Food Code framework and require at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per licensed food establishment. Arkansas does not have a statewide food handler card requirement, though individual employers may require it.
Who Must Be Certified?
Food Protection Managers (CFPM)
Arkansas requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) to be present at every retail food establishment during all hours of food preparation and service. The CFPM must hold a current certification from an ANAB-CFP accredited program. Certifications are valid for 5 years and must be renewed by retaking an approved exam. The certification must be available on-site for health inspectors upon request. Arkansas accepts all nationally recognized ANAB-CFP accredited certifications including ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, NRFSP, 360training, and Prometric.
Food Handlers
Statewide Requirement: No statewide mandate
Arkansas does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Individual food service employees are not mandated by state law to obtain a food handler certificate. However, many employers in Arkansas voluntarily require food handler training for all employees as a best practice and to reduce liability. Some local health departments may have additional requirements — always check with your specific county health department.Accepted Certification Programs
Arkansas 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 Arkansas
Step 1: Study (Recommended — 8 to 16 Hours)
While Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas
Arkansas established its cottage food law under the Arkansas Food Freedom Act (Act 816 of 2021), one of the most permissive cottage food laws in the country:What You Can Sell
Under the Arkansas Food Freedom Act, producers may sell homemade foods of virtually all types — including items not typically allowed under cottage food laws in other states — directly to informed end consumers. This is a significant departure from the "non-TCS only" model used in most states.
Annual Sales Limit
No sales limit under the Food Freedom Act for direct-to-consumer sales.
Key Requirement: Informed Consumer
The buyer must be an informed end consumer who is made aware that the product was made in an uninspected home kitchen. A signed disclosure or verbal acknowledgment may be required depending on the sales venue.
Where You Can Sell
Direct-to-consumer sales only. Farmers markets, roadside stands, home sales, and online sales with in-person delivery or shipping within Arkansas. Sales to restaurants or for resale are not permitted under the Food Freedom Act.
No Permit or Inspection Required
Arkansas cottage food producers operating under the Food Freedom Act do not need a permit, license, or home kitchen inspection from the Arkansas Department of Health. Labeling with producer name and a disclosure statement is required.
City & County Variations in Arkansas
While Arkansas 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.