Tennessee Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Tennessee food safety regulation is split between the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH), depending on the type of establishment. Retail food service establishments (restaurants, food trucks, caterers) are regulated by TDH under T.C.A. §53-8-101 and Rules Chapter 0080-4-09. Tennessee requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per food establishment. Tennessee's food code is based on the 2013 FDA Food Code. Nashville's explosive growth has made food safety compliance increasingly prominent, and the state updated its cottage food law significantly in 2022.

Who Must Be Certified in Tennessee?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Tennessee requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment. The CFPM must hold a current ANAB-CFP accredited certification and be present or reachable during all operating hours under Rules Chapter 0080-4-09.

Retail food service establishments fall under TDH; food manufacturing and grocery stores may fall under TDA. Verify with the appropriate agency for your specific establishment type.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

Tennessee does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Many Tennessee employers require food handler training voluntarily, particularly in Nashville and Memphis where competition for quality food service staff is significant.

Accepted Certification Programs in Tennessee

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Tennessee

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

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

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 Tennessee

Tennessee Cottage Food Law (Updated 2022)

Annual Sales Limit

$50,000 per year in gross cottage food sales under the Tennessee Home Kitchen Food Production Act (T.C.A. §53-8-121).

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and shelf-stable items. Tennessee's 2022 update expanded permitted products considerably. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, from your home, and online with in-person delivery within Tennessee. No permit or home kitchen inspection required. Standard labeling requirements apply.

City & County Variations in Tennessee

Tennessee 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.