Georgia Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Georgia food safety is co-administered by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture, depending on the type of food establishment. Retail food service operations — restaurants, food trucks, caterers — fall under GDPH's Environmental Health division, governed by O.C.G.A. §26-2-370 and Chapter 511-6-1 of the Georgia Rules and Regulations. Food manufacturing and processing facilities are regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Georgia requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per retail food establishment.

Who Must Be Certified in Georgia?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Georgia requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) to be on duty during all hours of operation at retail food establishments. The certification must come from an ANAB-CFP accredited program.

Georgia's food service rules (Chapter 511-6-1) cover all commercial food preparation operations including restaurants, bars, food trucks, school cafeterias, institutional foodservice, grocery store delis, and catering operations.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

Georgia does not have a statewide food handler card requirement for all food service employees. The GDPH encourages food handler training as a best practice. Many employers in the Atlanta metro area require it voluntarily.

Accepted Certification Programs in Georgia

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Georgia

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in Georgia — 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 Georgia.

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 Georgia

Georgia Cottage Food Law

Georgia has a permissive cottage food framework under the Georgia Cottage Food Act (O.C.G.A. §26-2-370 et seq.). Home-based producers may sell non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers.

Annual Sales Limit

$50,000 per year in gross cottage food sales.

Permitted Products

Non-TCS foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and roasted nuts.

Where You Can Sell

Direct-to-consumer sales only — farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, from your home. Online sales with in-person delivery within Georgia are permitted. Sales to restaurants or grocery stores are not allowed.

Registration

Georgia cottage food producers must register with their county health department before selling. Required labeling: producer name and address, product name, ingredient list, allergen disclosure, net weight, and: "This product was made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture or your county health department."

City & County Variations in Georgia

Georgia 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.