Who needs a food safety certificate (certified food safety manager) in Louisiana?

Issued by Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health (LAC 51:XXIII.305), 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 Louisiana

One person at each retail food establishment, an owner, manager or employee, passes an accredited food safety manager course and exam and then applies to the Office of Public Health for the state food safety certificate, which is posted at that one location. A few low-risk establishments are exempt under the code.

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 Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health (LAC 51:XXIII.305).

Sources and dates

LDH food safety manager certification FAQ; Sanitary Code, LAC 51:XXIII.305. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.