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Food-safety certification

Louisiana Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Louisiana requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Not state-required — No statewide food handler card for general staff. One owner/employee per establishment must hold a food safety (manager) certificate.
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only state.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary)StateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
See state · N/A at handler level
When to get it
N/A — no statewide handler requirement
Local exceptions
No major local handler-card mandates identified.
Governed by
Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Public Health

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is a manager-level certificate per establishment.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — A Certified Food Safety Manager is required for food service establishments (Louisiana Sanitary Code, Title 51; La. R.S. 40:4).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one Certified Food Safety Manager per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Governed by
Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health

Source: official page

Certain low-risk operations may be exempt.

Opening in Louisiana? See Louisiana food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Louisiana cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler card for general staff. One owner/employee per establishment must hold a food safety (manager) certificate..
Does Louisiana require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Louisiana requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). A Certified Food Safety Manager is required for food service establishments (Louisiana Sanitary Code, Title 51; La. R.S. 40:4). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Louisiana?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Louisiana?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
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