Who does the Food Manager's certificate belong to?

The Food Manager's certificate is issued to the individual who successfully completes the required training and examination. This certification signifies that the person has demonstrated a level of knowledge necessary to manage food safety in a food service environment. Holding the certificate enables the individual to ensure that food handling practices comply with health and safety regulations, which is essential for minimizing foodborne illnesses and ensuring public health.

While the establishment owner or the licensed food service manager may be involved in the operational aspects and compliance of the establishment, it is the individual completing the class who actually earns and possesses the certificate. This distinction is important for understanding accountability and the chain of responsibility in food safety management. The health department's role is primarily regulatory, overseeing the enforcement of food safety standards, but it does not hold ownership of the certificate.