MONTANA
FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION

Yes. Montana law requires that all food establishments have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff.

Pass an exam from an ANAB accredited program, such as AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Certification.

Montana Food Manager Certification is valid for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration.

The ANAB is a non-governmental body that offers accreditation services to organizations in both the public and private sectors. It evaluates and recognizes the competence of entities to carry out specific tasks according to established standards, helping ensure trust and consistency across industries.

Yes. Montana recognizes Food Protection Manager Certification from programs accredited by the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP), making them valid nationwide.

Food handlers are trained in fundamental food safety principles such as personal hygiene, safe food handling, and cross-contamination prevention. In contrast, food managers take on broader responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with local and state health regulations, overseeing staff training, maintaining accurate food safety documentation, managing foodborne illness risks, and upholding overall safety and sanitation standards within the food establishment.

Yes, online training and exams are available and fully accepted in Montana.

AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Certification is accredited by the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). It’s widely accepted and recognized across the United States.

A Certified Food Protection Manager monitors food safety operations, trains staff, and ensures compliance with the Montana food code.

It helps prevent foodborne illness, ensures compliance, and boosts career opportunities.

You’ll need to complete an approved course in nutrition and foodservice management and pass the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam.

AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Program meets the requirements for Certified Food Service Manager Requirement to Comply with CFR § 483.60 Food and Nutrition Services.

 You can reach the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services at:

Address:
111 North Sanders Street
Helena, Montana 59620

Bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat (RTE) foods is generally prohibited unless the establishment has received approval and follows strict procedures, including a written plan and additional hygienic practices. 

For cooking temperatures, Montana follows the 2013 FDA Food Code, including:

• Comminuted meats:
   – 145°F for 3 minutes
   – 150°F for 1 minute
   – 155°F for 15 seconds
   – 158°F for 1 second
  
• Hot holding: 135°F or above
• Cold holding: 41°F or above