Getting Your Food Manager Certification in Louisiana

Whether you’re managing a restaurant in New Orleans or running a school cafeteria in Baton Rouge, earning your food manager certification in Louisiana is not just a recommendation—it’s a legal requirement. The Louisiana Department of Health mandates that each food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff.

This guide walks you through the steps to earn your Food Protection Manager Certification in Louisiana, what’s required, and how to get certified 100% online through an accredited provider.

Is Food Manager Certification in Louisiana Required?

Yes. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, every permitted food service establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This regulation ensures that food safety responsibilities are overseen by a qualified professional trained to prevent foodborne illness and ensure compliance with health codes.

Who Needs to Hold a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification?

Louisiana law requires that one designated individual per establishment must be certified as a CFPM. This person is responsible for food safety management and must be present during most hours of operation.

Typical roles include:

Restaurant or kitchen managers
Food truck operators
Head chefs or cooks
School or institutional food supervisors

Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines or closure during inspections.

What Type of Certification Is Accepted in Louisiana?

Louisiana only accepts the Food Protection Manager Certification, and that is:

Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)

AAA Food Handler provides fully online, ANAB-accredited certification that is valid throughout Louisiana, including all parishes.

What Responsibilities Does a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Have?

A Certified Food Protection Manager in Louisiana is responsible for:

Supervising safe food preparation and storage practices
Enforcing hygiene and sanitation protocols
Ensuring compliance with the Louisiana Food Code regulations
Training staff in food safety procedures
Maintaining records for health department inspections

This role is critical in maintaining food safety and avoiding violations.

How Long Is the Louisiana Food Manager Certification Valid?

The Food Protection Manager Certification is typically valid for five years. After expiration, recertification is required by retaking the ANAB-accredited exam. It’s recommended to renew before the expiration date to ensure uninterrupted compliance.

Can the Louisiana Food Manager Certification Be Completed Online?

Yes. AAA Food Handler offers a fully online certification process for food professionals in Louisiana. You can:

Study at your own pace through optional training modules
Take the ANAB-accredited certification exam online
Receive your certificate instantly upon passing
Access the program in English or Spanish
Retake the exam for free in select packages

This flexibility is ideal for busy managers and owners.

What Topics Does the Food Manager Training in Louisiana Cover?

The AAA Food Handler optional training program helps prepare for the certification exam and strengthens your practical knowledge in real-world food safety operations. Topics include:

Safe handling and storage of TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods
How to prevent cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods
Proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures for equipment and surfaces
Allergen awareness and labeling best practices
Personal hygiene policies and employee illness reporting
Identifying and controlling foodborne illness risk factors

This training is not mandatory but is highly recommended for new food managers or anyone preparing for health inspections.

Is the Food Manager Certification Accepted in Healthcare and Dietary Settings?

Yes. AAA Food Handler Food Protection Manager Certification meets the requirements under CFR § 483.60, which governs food safety practices in healthcare settings. That means this certification is accepted in:

Hospitals
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
Rehabilitation centers and long-term care kitchens

It’s also a qualifying certification for those pursuing a career as a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).

Are There Any Additional State-Specific Rules in Louisiana?

Yes. The Louisiana Department of Health requires that each establishment have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager at all times. The regulation applies statewide across all parishes with no exemptions for specific counties. Other food staff may hold food handler certificates, but only the CFPM is responsible for overall food safety compliance.