Oregon does not require food manager certification for businesses where food is prepared and served. However, this type of certification can help you fulfill certain state requirements.1
Restaurants and food service businesses in Oregon must have a designated person in charge present during all hours of operation. This individual needs to demonstrate proper food safety knowledge during health inspections. One way to fulfill the knowledge requirement is to earn a food protection manager certification.2
Read this guide to learn more about Oregon food protection manager certification, including details on the following topics:
- Who needs a food manager license in Oregon?
- How to get Oregon food manager certification
- Oregon certificate verification
- Food manager certificate renewal requirements
- Oregon food manager certification reciprocity
- Insurance requirements for Oregon restaurants
Who needs a food manager license in Oregon?
Restaurants and food service businesses do not need to have a certified food protection manager. Oregon does not require this type of formal training for supervisory staff.1
However, food establishments must have a designated person in charge (PIC) present during all hours of operation.
The PIC is responsible for the operation at the time of inspection and must understand foodborne disease prevention, application of the hazard analysis and critical control point principles and the requirements of the Oregon food code.2
There are three ways that the PIC may demonstrate this knowledge:
- Comply with the code and have no violations during health inspections.
- Respond correctly to the inspector’s questions about food operation.
- Be a certified food manager who has completed a training program and exam approved by the Oregon Health Authority or Oregon Department of Agriculture.
So while there is no mandate for food manager certification, Oregon business owners or employees acting as persons in charge can satisfy the requirements of the role by earning an approved food safety certificate.
Food manager certification vs. food handler license
Food manager certification is optional for Oregon restaurants and food service businesses. However, food handler certification is required.3
All Oregon food service workers must obtain a food handler card within 30 days of employment. To earn this certification, they must complete a food protection course offered by an approved training program. Food handlers must renew their certification every three years.
Those with a valid food manager certification are exempted from food handler certification requirements.
Making sure your staff has the proper food safety training helps to protect your business. Training in proper food preparation and handling techniques reduces the risk of foodborne illness.
How to get Oregon food manager certification
To become certified food protection managers, Oregon employees or business owners must complete a training program and pass an exam from an approved provider. This ensures that their certification will satisfy the “demonstration of knowledge” requirement when undergoing health inspections.4
Certificates from programs accredited by the American National Standards Institute – Conference for Food Protection (ANSI-CFP) and the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers are accepted in Oregon. Also accepted are certifications from the Oregon county programs listed here.
Oregon food manager license fees
You or your employees can complete an Oregon food safety certificate online through an accredited program. In-person courses are also available.
Program fees vary by provider. Typically, the training program and exam costs around $100.
Restaurant owners are not required to cover the cost of the food manager certification. A certification is considered the employee's property, and food manager certificates issued by approved Oregon providers can be used in any county statewide.1
How long does it take to get a food manager license in Oregon?
The time to complete a training program and exam varies by provider. Generally, you or your employees can complete the course and exam within eight hours.
After completing the exam, certificates may be issued instantly or sent by mail.
Oregon certificate verification
Health inspectors may request proof of certification if a person in charge becomes a food protection manager. Business owners should plan to have a copy of the certificate on hand.
Food manager certificate renewal requirements
Most food protection manager certificates expire after a period of five years. Oregon employees must retake the training course and exam to renew their certification.5
Oregon food manager certification reciprocity
Oregon accepts valid food manager certifications earned while working out of state as long as they come from an ANSI-CFP-accredited provider.4
Insurance requirements for Oregon restaurants
Getting the right type of Oregon business insurance can help protect you from everyday risks. If you’re the owner of a restaurant or food service business in this state, consider the following insurance coverage options:
General Liability insurance
General liability insurance in Oregon can help protect your business if it is held responsible for property damage or an injury to someone other than you or an employee.
Food service general liability insurance can help cover restaurant-specific risks. For example, foodborne illness coverage could help protect your business if a customer gets sick from contaminated or incorrectly prepared food.
Workers’ Compensation insurance
Oregon workers’ compensation insurance can help protect your business if an employee gets hurt on the job. Most employers in Oregon are required to have workers’ comp coverage.
Commercial Property insurance
Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost to repair or replace business property damaged by a covered event, such as a fire or burst water pipe. Covered business property may include inventory, equipment, furniture and buildings.
Commercial Auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance can help provide coverage for medical expenses and property damage if you or an employee gets into an accident while driving a work vehicle.
All vehicles in Oregon must meet the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,00 for property damage.6
How NEXT supports Oregon restaurant owners
NEXT provides tailored Oregon restaurant insurance policies designed for small businesses and self-employed business owners.
You can get a quote, review your coverage options, choose your policies and download a certificate of insurance in less than 10 minutes.
Our team of licensed insurance advisors is standing by to assist you if you have any questions along the way.
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Sources
1 Food Manager Certification Resources
2 Oregon Food Sanitation Rules
4 Oregon Health Authority: Food Manager Certification
