Minnesota Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Minnesota food safety is administered by MDH under Minn. Stat. §157.20 and Minnesota Rules Chapter 4626. Minnesota adopted a food code based on the 2013 FDA Food Code with Minnesota-specific modifications and requires at least one CFPM per food establishment. Minnesota's large number of lakes and outdoor venues creates a robust seasonal food service industry, particularly in northern resort areas. The Twin Cities metro area has one of the most competitive food service markets in the upper Midwest.

Who Must Be Certified in Minnesota?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Minnesota requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment under Minnesota Rules Chapter 4626. The CFPM must hold a current ANAB-CFP accredited certification and be present or reachable during all operating hours. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, county health departments conduct inspections; in Greater Minnesota, MDH district offices handle enforcement.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

Minnesota does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Many Minnesota employers voluntarily require food handler training, particularly in the Twin Cities metro area's competitive food service market.

Accepted Certification Programs in Minnesota

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Minnesota

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

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

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 Minnesota

Minnesota Cottage Food Law

Annual Sales Limit

$18,000 per year in gross cottage food sales — a specific and relatively low limit. Producers exceeding this must obtain a licensed food handler registration.

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and similar shelf-stable items. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, community events, from your home, and roadside stands. Online sales with in-person delivery within Minnesota are generally permitted. Mail shipping is not permitted.

Labeling

Required: producer name and address, product name, ingredients, allergen disclosure, net weight, and: "This product is homemade and not inspected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or Minnesota Department of Health."

City & County Variations in Minnesota

Minnesota 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.