Overview
Indiana food safety is administered by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) under Indiana Code §16-42-5-28 and 410 IAC 7-22. Indiana adopted the 2017 FDA Food Code framework. The state requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment. Indiana's local health departments — organized at the county level — handle day-to-day inspections and enforcement, though they must comply with state minimums. With 92 counties, Indiana has a highly decentralized food safety enforcement structure.
Who Must Be Certified in Indiana?
Food Protection Managers (CFPM)
Indiana requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment. The CFPM must hold a current ANAB-CFP accredited certification and must be present or reachable during all hours of operation.
The requirement applies broadly to restaurants, food trucks, grocery store delis, caterers, institutional foodservice, bars serving food, schools, and healthcare facility kitchens. Indiana's county health departments conduct the actual inspections — contact your county health department for local enforcement specifics.
Food Handlers
Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers
Indiana does not have a statewide food handler card requirement for all food service employees. The CFPM at each establishment is responsible for ensuring all employees are trained on food safety practices. Some Indiana counties may have additional local requirements — verify with your county health department.
Accepted Certification Programs in Indiana
Indiana accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs meet Indiana's legal requirements:
| Provider | Certification | Format | Approx. 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 / NRFSP | National Registry Exam | In-Person Test Centers | ~$80–$110 | prometric.com |
| FoodSafePal | Food Protection Manager Certification | Online | ~$99–$149 | foodsafepal.com |
Costs approximate as of 2026. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.
How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Indiana
Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)
No mandatory pre-exam course is required in Indiana — 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 Indiana.
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 Indiana
Indiana Cottage Food Law
Indiana permits cottage food operations under the Indiana Home Business Food Sales Law (IC 16-42-5.2), updated in 2023 to expand permitted products and sales channels.
Annual Sales Limit
$50,000 per year in gross cottage food sales (verify current limit with ISDH as this has been amended recently).
Permitted Products
Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, roasted nuts, and popcorn. Fresh produce grown by the producer is also permitted for direct sale.
Where You Can Sell
Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, community events, roadside stands, and from your home. Online sales with in-person delivery within Indiana are permitted. Sales to restaurants or grocery stores are not permitted under the home business law.
Labeling
Indiana requires labels with producer name and address, product name, ingredients, allergen disclosure, net weight, and the statement that the food was produced in an uninspected home kitchen.
City & County Variations in Indiana
Indiana 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.