Alabama Food Safety: Do I Need a Food Manager Certifcation?

From the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains, Alabama’s diverse landscape influences its food scene. Fresh seafood, barbecue, local spirits, and everything in between are easy to come by. With regional and international food options available throughout the state, food safety and responsible alcohol service must be top concerns for foodservice professionals and establishments alike.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 53,300 hospitalizations are the result of domestically acquired foodborne illnesses.⁵ Food safety is key for a healthy kitchen and the success of every food business, especially in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.

Alabama recognizes this importance—even though they don’t require specific training or certification. The state adopts adjusted recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Below, let’s explore Alabama’s food safety and alcohol server training and certification requirements by asking these questions:

Which version of the FDA Food Code does Alabama use?
Does Alabama require food handler training?
Does Alabama require allergen awareness training?
Does Alabama require food manager certification?
How do county requirements differ from state requirements?
Does Alabama require alcohol server training?

Which version of the FDA Food Code does Alabama use?

The FDA Food Code is a federal manual that provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for food safety nationwide. The FDA updates it every two years to remain current with the latest research and evolutions in food safety science. The 2022 version is the latest edition.

States, territories, counties, and cities can pick and choose which guidelines they adopt. Alabama has adopted the 2013 FDA Food Code.^{1, 2}

The 2013 FDA Food Code recommends that at least one person-in-charge (PIC) pass an exam to become a certified food protection manager (CFPM). The CFPM is then responsible for educating their team on safe food handling practices and must be able to identify major food allergens and recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Does Alabama require food handler training?

No, Alabama doesn’t require food handler training. However, employers may require it.

Food handler training can also give you a leg up in your foodservice job search. If you complete food handler training, you demonstrate to potential employers a commitment to food safety skills and knowledge, which can set you apart from other applicants.

Does Alabama require allergen awareness training?

No, Alabama doesn’t require formal food allergen awareness training.

However, employers may require it. You’ll want to check with your employer to see if this is training you need to complete.

Does Alabama require food manager certification?

Yes! Alabama requires category three and four establishments to employ a certified food protection manager who has passed an exam from an ANAB-CFP accredited program. Trust20's Certified Food Protection Manager Exam is ANAB-CFP accredited and meets the requirements for food manager certification in Alabama.

But what are these categories, and how do you know which one your establishment belongs in?

Establishment categories explained

Categorizing food establishments is a way for Alabama authorities to assess risk level when it comes to keeping food safe. The higher the risk of foodborne illnesses, the higher the category.

Priority Category 1 Establishments

Sells commercially pre-packaged Time and Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods in their original packaging, like deli meats and ice cream.

Priority Category 2 Establishments

Does not prepare raw meat, does not cool hot foods, and customer contact is limited to single-use utensils.

Priority Category 3 Establishments

Prepares raw meat, cools and reheats items, and reuses customer utensils.

Priority Category 4 Establishments

Falls into Category 2 or 3 establishments, but also requires a variance or HACCP plan.²

Additionally, you should also check with your local health department to make sure they don’t have further requirements related to food manager certification.

A caveat

The Alabama Food Code states that if you’re having trouble passing the CFPM exam, but you have proof that you have completed a CFPM training course, your proof of course completion will suffice for one year. Then you’ll need to either retake the course or pass the test.

How do county requirements differ from state requirements?

There are two counties that differ from the rest of Alabama and require food-handling certificates. Both Jefferson and Mobile County require all food workers to complete a food handler training course and earn a certificate. However, each county's health department maintains its own certificate program and does not accept outside certificates.^4,5

Does Alabama require alcohol server training?

No, Alabama doesn’t require alcohol server training. However, employers may require it—both to emphasize responsible alcohol service and to obtain potential mitigation benefits from a voluntary program offered by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC).

The Alabama Responsible Vendor Program (RVP) allows establishments to become certified through the ABC. It requires that the licensee train “all employees who are involved in the management, sale, and/or service of alcoholic beverages.”⁷ Establishments that join the program voluntarily will also need to establish policies that ensure legal, responsible alcohol sales and train their employees in the policies.

As per Title 28 of the Code of Alabama, the RVP makes it so that participants in the program receive mitigation benefits if an employee makes an underage alcohol sale.⁸

These mitigation benefits only apply if:

The employee has completed ABC-approved training prior to the offense;8
The employer participated in the violation;8 and
The employer either knew of or should have known about the violation.⁸

The takeaway

Alabama largely leaves food safety and alcohol server training and certification requirements up to employers and local jurisdictions. While state requirements may vary, a comprehensive understanding of food safety and responsible alcohol service protects public health and leads to success in your business. Equip yourself and your team with essential food safety knowledge so they can serve customers safely.

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