Delaware Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Delaware's food safety program is managed by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DDPH) under 16 Del. C. §3301 et seq. Delaware has adopted the 2017 FDA Food Code and requires every food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. Delaware is a smaller state geographically, but its food service industry is significant given its location in the heavily-populated Mid-Atlantic corridor between Philadelphia and Baltimore. The state's three counties each have active health departments that work in concert with DDPH on inspections.

Who Must Be Certified in Delaware?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Delaware requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment. The CFPM must hold a current certification from an ANAB-CFP accredited program and must be present or reachable during all hours of operation.

All types of food establishments are covered — restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, grocery stores with prepared food sections, institutional foodservice, catering operations, and bars serving food. The certification must be made available to health inspectors upon request.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

Delaware does not have a statewide food handler card requirement for all food service employees. Individual handlers are not required by Delaware state law to carry a food handler certificate. However, many Delaware employers voluntarily require food safety training for all staff, particularly in the Wilmington and Dover metro markets.

Accepted Certification Programs in Delaware

Delaware accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs meet Delaware's legal requirements:

Costs approximate as of 2026. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Delaware

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in Delaware — you can register for the CFPM exam directly. However the exam has roughly a 65% pass rate without studying. Provider courses take 8–16 hours and significantly improve pass rates.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

Register through any ANAB-CFP accredited provider above. Online exams with remote proctoring are available from ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360training, NRFSP, and FoodSafePal. In-person testing is available through ServSafe-authorized proctors and Prometric test centers in Delaware.

Step 3: Pass the Exam

The CFPM exam has approximately 80 questions; a passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are immediate for computer-based exams. Retakes are available after 24–72 hours with an additional fee.

Step 4: Keep Your Certificate On-Site

Your CFPM certificate must be kept at your establishment and made available for health inspectors upon request. Some jurisdictions require it to be posted visibly — verify with your local health department.

Step 5: Renew Before 5 Years

CFPM certifications are valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking an approved exam before expiration. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date.

Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses in Delaware

Delaware Cottage Food Regulations

Delaware permits cottage food operations under its home processor exemption. Non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a private home may be sold directly to consumers without a full commercial food license.

Permitted Products

Non-TCS foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and shelf-stable items. Products requiring refrigeration for safety are excluded.

Annual Sales Limit

$50,000 per year in gross cottage food sales. Producers must sell directly to end consumers and may not supply retail stores or restaurants.

Registration

Delaware cottage food producers must register with the Delaware Department of Agriculture. A home kitchen inspection may be required depending on the type of product. Contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture for specific registration requirements.

Labeling

Required labeling includes producer name and address, product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and the home kitchen disclaimer statement.

City & County Variations in Delaware

Delaware state law sets baseline food safety requirements, but local jurisdictions may enforce stricter rules. Always verify with your specific county or municipal health department in addition to state requirements.