Who needs a certified food protection manager in North Carolina?

Issued by County health department, under Food Code section 2-102.12, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

8 of the 20 kinds of business in North Carolina

The person in charge during operating hours must hold a food protection manager certificate from an ANSI-accredited program; the rule is enforced after the first inspection and scored on every inspection after that.

Checked Oct 17, 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 County health department, under Food Code section 2-102.12.

Sources and dates

North Carolina Food Code (15A NCAC 18A .2652). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.