Who needs a certified food protection manager in Arkansas?

Issued by Arkansas Department of Health (Rules Pertaining to Retail Food Establishments, section 2-102.11), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in Arkansas

Every retail food establishment needs at least one supervisory employee with authority over food preparation and service who holds a food protection manager certificate from an accredited program; a new establishment has a grace period from the date its permit is issued. Establishments that sell only prepackaged or low-risk food are exempt.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Arkansas Department of Health (Rules Pertaining to Retail Food Establishments, section 2-102.11).

Sources and dates

Department of Health food protection FAQ; 2019 retail food rules, certified food protection manager requirement. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.