Michigan Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Michigan food safety is administered by MDARD for most food establishments under the Michigan Food Law (MCL §289.1101 et seq.). Michigan requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment and also requires allergen awareness training for food service workers — similar to Massachusetts. Michigan's food code is based on the 2009 FDA Food Code with amendments. Local county and district health departments conduct most inspections. Michigan updated its cottage food law in 2022 expanding permitted products and sales channels.

Who Must Be Certified in Michigan?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

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

MDARD oversees the regulatory framework; local county and district health departments conduct most inspections. Your local health department is your primary contact for food safety compliance in Michigan.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: Allergen awareness training required — no separate handler card mandate

Michigan does not have a general food handler card mandate for all employees, but does require allergen awareness training:

Accepted Certification Programs in Michigan

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Michigan

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

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

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 Michigan

Michigan Cottage Food Law (Updated 2022)

Annual Sales Limit

$25,000 per year in gross cottage food sales. Producers who exceed this must obtain a food establishment license.

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and honey. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, and from your home. Online sales with in-person delivery within Michigan are permitted.

Labeling

Michigan requires labels to include producer name and address, product name, ingredients, allergen disclosure, net weight, and: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development."

City & County Variations in Michigan

Michigan 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.