Just as it appeared to fade into oblivion, we get another reminder that Avian Influenza is still a health concern in the world and also in Minnesota. A recent article goes into detail on why we should still keep up our guard and a USDA study released March of 2023 indicates Minnesota is the hot […]
In our food manager certification courses, experienced restaurant pros often exchange ideas and discuss strategies. During a recent session, some students debated creating a bar or lounge menu for casual diners with low food costs. We decided to contribute our insights, which food managers might find useful for special menus in bar, lounge, or patio […]
Minnesota law requires most food establishments to employ a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) to prevent foodborne illness and ensure public safety. Safe Food Training offers both personalized 8-hour initial certification courses and 4-hour continuing education renewals to help you meet these state standards. Whether you choose our
distraction-free in-person classes or flexible online options, we ensure your MN food license remains compliant.
What are the worst messages you could get when opening your kitchen for the Thursday lunch shift? You could be dealing with a broken walk-in cooler or a supplier who shorted your produce order. But the absolute worst message is multiple customers calling to report they’re doing the “Pepto Bismol dance” after eating your Wednesday daily special.
Beyond the immediate panic and guilt, a single foodborne illness incident can devastate your business’s reputation. To prevent these embarrassing and costly situations, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) mandate that most food establishments employ a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).
Do you know the rules for illness reporting?
Food safety isn’t just about passing your routine health inspection; it’s about protecting your community and your financial investment. In a recent study by the USDA Economic Research Service, the total cost of the leading U.S. foodborne illnesses was estimated at over $17.6 billion annually.
For a local Minnesota business—whether you’re running a busy diner in St. Paul or a school cafeteria in Duluth—the costs of an outbreak include:
Choose how you learn best.
Navigating state regulations doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s exactly what Minnesota requires for your certification:
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Initial Certification |
Must complete an approved 8-hour course and pass an accredited exam. |
|
Renewal Cycle |
Your Minnesota CFPM certificate expires every three years. |
|
Continuing Education |
4 hours of approved continuing education (CE) training is required for renewal prior to expiration. |
|
State Registry Application |
After passing your exam or completing CE, you must submit an application and fee to the MN Department of Health to get your official state certificate. |
At Safe Food Training, we know that food safety shouldn’t be a generic, one-size-fits-all experience. Restaurant managers have different learning styles and schedules, which is why we emphasize your choice in how you train.
The In-Person Advantage: We highly recommend our in-person training. Stepping out of your restaurant into a distraction-free environment drastically increases your focus and your exam pass rate. It allows for direct interaction, letting you ask specific questions about cooling a 5-gallon batch of chili or calibrating bimetallic stemmed thermometers.
The Online Flexibility: If you’re managing multiple locations or simply can’t leave the kitchen for a full day, our online training options provide the critical flexibility you need to learn on your own schedule while still meeting state requirements.
Designers set the mood in the front of the house with lighting, furniture, and music. But the back of the house is serious business. Led by Jeff Webster, Safe Food Training brings years of real-world industry experience to the classroom. We cover vital, tangible best practices, including:
Training for you and your team.
Requiring your kitchen managers to get and maintain their food safety certification is one of the best investments an owner can make.
Navigating state regulations can sometimes feel overwhelming, so I’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions we get from Minnesota kitchen managers.
A: In Minnesota, you must renew your certified food protection manager license by completing 4 hours of continuing education every three years.
A: As a valued client of Safe Food Training, you don’t have to worry about tracking your renewal date. We provide timely reminders for the three-year renewal cycle to ensure you complete your required continuing education before your certification expires.
A: No, you don’t. We offer dedicated continuing education training specifically for professionals who need to fulfill Minnesota’s renewal requirements.
A: We’re dedicated to your success. If you don’t pass the exam on your first try, we offer a retake of the course and exam at one of our regularly scheduled sessions.
A: We focus on creating a convenient and effective learning experience that fits your specific needs. Led by Jeff Webster, we discuss the food safety challenges relevant to your unique operation—whether you’re in a school cafeteria, a large restaurant, or a catering business.
Sign up for the next available class today!
Don’t leave your restaurant’s reputation to chance or wait until a health inspector knocks on your door to check your credentials. Whether you need your initial certification or it’s simply time for your three-year renewal, we’re here to make the process straightforward and stress-free.
Ready to secure your Minnesota food license? Register for an upcoming course today!
If you’ve gained your food manager certification, you know that there are many ways that food-borne illness can spread. Even if you’re diligent with your safety procedures, there may be times when tainted product is delivered to your establishment and can cause a safety issue that you are unaware of. This week, we’ll discuss how […]