Trainings
Resources

State Requirements

Massachusetts Food Safety: What Training or Certification Do I Need?

Posted by
Jul 8, 2024 8:00:00 AM
Trust20 Contributors • 3 minute read
Share:
Massachusetts Food Safety Training and Certification Regulations Blog

In Massachusetts, guaranteeing an exceptional dining experience goes beyond perfecting that bowl of clam chowder or creating the most mouthwatering lobster roll. Food safety is critical to the success of every single dining establishment in the state.

Like most states, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires specific training and certifications for foodservice professionals. Read on to learn about the state requirements in the Bay State.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

Which version of the FDA Food Code does Massachusetts use?

Does Massachusetts require food handler training?

Does Massachusetts require allergen awareness training?

Does Massachusetts require food manager certification?

Which version of the FDA Food Code does Massachusetts use?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) crafts the federal food safety guidance for all the states in the country. However, states, territories, counties, and cities can adjust those guidelines to meet their needs.1

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) adopted parts of the FDA 2013 Food Code to create the Massachusetts Retail Food Code.2, 3

Does Massachusetts require food handler training?

No, food handler training and food handler cards are not required in Massachusetts. However, your local health department or employer may have other requirements.

Does Massachusetts require allergen awareness training?

Yes, Massachusetts requires food allergen awareness training. In fact, the state has a dedicated Food Allergen Awareness Act under Section 6B of the Massachusetts Retail Food Code.

Food establishments that cook, prepare, or serve food intended for immediate consumption need a certified food protection manager on staff who has been issued a Massachusetts certificate of allergen awareness training from an approved program.4

Training programs (like Trust20's Food Allergy Certificate Training) must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB). 

At least one food protection manager at every establishment must complete allergen awareness training in addition to earning their certification credentials. 

Additional food allergen awareness requirements

The General Laws of Massachusetts require two additional allergen awareness measures.

First, all foodservice establishments must prominently display allergen awareness posters approved by the Massachusetts DPH. The state's website has links to approved posters that you can download.5  These posters must include information about the risk of allergic reactions and how to address them.

Secondly, all menus and menu boards must include a notice to customers about their obligation to inform their servers about any food allergies. The notice must state: Before placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

Does Massachusetts require food manager certification?

Yes, according to the Massachusetts Retail Food Code, at least one person in charge must also be a certified food protection manager. This person in charge must be an on-site manager or supervisor who is 18 or older.

To become certified, you must pass a certification exam from a nationally accredited provider, such as Trust20’s ANAB-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager Certification program.

The Takeaway

Food safety training and certification are essential to the success of a food establishment–and to public health. The state requirements for food allergy training and food manager certification are a valuable part of food safety efforts in Massachusetts. Understanding these requirements can help you protect your customers and your establishment from the dangers of foodborne illnesses. 

 

Sources

  1. FDA: 2013 FDA Food Code

  2. Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)

  3. Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Massachusetts Retail Food Code (105 CMR 590)

  4. State of Massachusetts: Mass.gov: Food allergen awareness and regulation

  5. State of Massachusetts: The official website for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Massachusetts Food Protection Manager Certification Exam and Trainer Directory
Recommended Articles
Is Trust20 Legit? Food Handler Training, Manager Certification, and More
Food Safety Management
June 26, 2025
Is Trust20 Legit? Food Handler Training, Manager Certification, and More
Food safety should not be a gamble; it should be a guarantee. Foodborne illnesses not only have dire consequences for customers, but they can also severely impact an establishment's reputation and bottom line.
Continue Reading
You Need to Know: Temperature Danger Zone
Food Safety
June 24, 2025
You Need to Know: Temperature Danger Zone
There is one tried and true principle in food handler safety: keep hot food hot, and cold food cold. This is the best way for foodservice workers to keep food out of the "Danger Zone," or the temperature range where bacteria can grow at an alarming rate.
Continue Reading
Food Safety Management: How to Audit Your Establishment's Hygiene Protocols
Food Safety Management
June 16, 2025
Food Safety Management: How to Audit Your Establishment's Hygiene Protocols
Every foodservice establishment is required to have hygiene protocols in place to ensure cleanliness is a top priority in the daily operations of each business. The safety and health of staff and customers are key in any food business. Best practices are essential for maintaining a clean establishment. Best practices can also reduce the potential of cross-contamination while ensuring your business is in line with food safety regulations, which are overseen by international organizations, federal agencies, and local health departments such as the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS). To ensure your establishment’s hygiene protocols meet current regulations and the most current methodology, it’s essential to audit best practices on a regular basis. The food industry is constantly evolving, and regular hygiene practice audits will help keep you and your establishment compliant with current standards. Below, we’ll cover: Why should I regularly review my establishment’s existing hygiene protocols? How frequently should hygiene protocols be reviewed for food safety? What areas of foodservice hygiene practices should I review on a regular basis? What steps should I take when reviewing hygiene protocols?
Continue Reading
Protect Food Safety: How to Create Hygiene Protocols and Best Practices
Food Safety
June 3, 2025
Protect Food Safety: How to Create Hygiene Protocols and Best Practices
Your hygiene protocols are essential to preventing a foodborne illness outbreak at your establishment–not to mention the long-term success of your business. Every operator and manager who oversees a foodservice business should create standard hygiene practices and expect their entire team to consistently and carefully adhere to them. These protocols cover a range of activities, including cleaning, sanitization, and personal hygiene. Other basic habits and routines like handwashing, sanitizing food prep surfaces, and regular facility cleaning help you and your team maintain a safe food environment, reduce food safety incidents, and comply with relevant laws and regulations. Understanding why and how to implement structured safe food handling practices in your establishment will make protecting your customers second-nature, so you can focus on providing an exceptional experience for everyone who walks in your door. Keep reading to learn more about hygiene protocol, including: What are hygiene protocols? Why are hygiene protocols important to the food industry? What best practices should my hygiene protocols include? How do I create a hygiene protocol plan?
Continue Reading