How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Michigan?

To obtain a food handlers permit in Michigan, you must pass an ANSI/CFP nationally accredited exam every five years, apply for a Food Service License, and depending on the type of establishment you plan to operate, apply for a Michigan Food Establishment License. The process involves taking a course or self-studying, passing the exam, and submitting the necessary applications and fees.

1. Pass an ANSI/CFP Nationally Accredited Exam

• Purpose: This exam is a requirement for obtaining a food handlers permit in Michigan. It ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely.
• Estimated Cost: The cost may vary depending on the course provider.
• Instructions: Most individuals prepare for the exam by taking a class (in-person or online) or self-studying. The exams are proctored and must be taken either at an approved testing site or are given at the end of a course by an approved instructor. You can find a course, trainer, textbook, or exam by phone through the Local Health Department Directory or Michigan State University.

2. Apply for a Food Service License

• Purpose: This license is required to operate a food service establishment in Michigan.
• Instructions: The type of license you need depends on the type of establishment you plan to operate. There are four types of Food Service Establishments: Fixed, Temporary, Mobile, and Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU). Applications and fee must be submitted 30 days prior to your proposed opening date. For new establishments, the local health department will conduct a plan review as needed, and then conduct an on-site pre-opening inspection when the establishment is ready to operate.

3. Apply for a Michigan Food Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required if you plan to own or operate a grocery store or convenience store.
• Instructions: Determine which agency to contact. Submit an MDARD Food Establishment application. Apply online through the MDARD Food Establishment Online Application. Please note that a license is not issued until after an inspection has been completed and approval to operate is given.

Useful Information Sources:

• Local Health Department Directory: http://www.malph.org/directory
• Michigan State University Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/servsafe/index
• ANSI/CFP Nationally Accredited Exams Used by Course Providers: https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/food-protection-manager/AlLdirectoryListing?menuID=8&prgID=8&statusID=4
• Michigan Food Establishment License Application: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/food/foodest/michigan-food-establishment-license-applications
• Food Service License Application for Fixed, Mobile, STFU: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/food-dairy/food_service_license_application.pdf
• Temporary Food Service License Application: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/food-dairy/food-establishments/temp_food_establishment_license_application.pdf

FAQs:

• How often do I need to take the ANSI/CFP nationally accredited exam? You need to take the exam once every 5 years.
• What types of Food Service Establishments are there? There are four types: Fixed, Temporary, Mobile, and Special Transitory Food Unit (STFU).
• When should I submit my Food Service License application? Applications and fee must be submitted 30 days prior to your proposed opening date.
• When is a Michigan Food Establishment License required? This license is required if you plan to own or operate a grocery store or convenience store.
• When is a license issued? A license is not issued until after an inspection has been completed and approval to operate is given.

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