Mississippi Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Mississippi food safety is administered by the MSDH under Miss. Code Ann. §41-3-15 and the Mississippi Rules and Regulations for Food Service Establishments. Mississippi requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment. Mississippi's food code is based on the 2009 FDA Food Code — one of the older editions still in use — with subsequent state amendments. Mississippi stands out for having one of the higher cottage food annual sales limits nationally ($75,000), reflecting the state's support for small food entrepreneurs and agricultural commerce.

Who Must Be Certified in Mississippi?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Mississippi requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per retail food establishment. The CFPM must hold a current ANAB-CFP accredited certification and be present or reachable during all hours of operation. All retail food establishments are covered including restaurants, food trucks, catering operations, grocery store delis, institutional cafeterias, bars serving food, and schools.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

Mississippi does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Employers are encouraged to provide basic food safety training to all employees as a best practice, and many in the coastal casino and resort industry require it voluntarily.

Accepted Certification Programs in Mississippi

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Mississippi

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

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

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 Mississippi

Mississippi Cottage Food Law

Annual Sales Limit

$75,000 per year in gross cottage food sales — one of the higher state limits in the country.

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, roadside stands, from your home, and online with in-person delivery within Mississippi. Required labeling: producer name and address, product name, ingredients, allergen disclosure, net weight, and the home kitchen disclaimer statement.

City & County Variations in Mississippi

Mississippi 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.