Food Safety Certification
The objective of the Ohio Department of Health’s certification in food protection rule, 3701-21-25 of the Administrative Code, is to educate and train food personnel on effective food safety practices for preventing foodborne illness. Ohio's Certification program consists of two levels of training: Person-In-Charge (formerly "level one") and Manager (formerly "level two").
- Manager Certification (Level Two)
The Manager Certification in Food Protection program is a more extensive training that provides managers with in-depth knowledge of proper food safety practices for use in their facilities. The Ohio Department of Health has administered the Manager Certification in Food Protection program since 1973.
Beginning March 1, 2017, each risk level III and risk level IV food service operation and retail food establishment is required to have at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service that has obtained the Ohio Manager Certification in food protection.
- Person-In-Charge (Level One) Certification
Person-In-Charge (PIC) Certification in Food Protection is a mandated training for the designated person in charge for each shift of a risk level I, II, III, and IV food service operation or retail food establishment if any of the following apply:
- A food service operation or a retail food establishment initially licensed after March 1, 2010 unless the individual has successfully completed an equivalent or more comprehensive manager certification in food protection course (Manager Certification).
- A food service operation or retail food establishment has been implicated in a foodborne disease outbreak.
- The licensor has documented a failure to maintain sanitary conditions in accordance with section 3717.29 of the Revised Code for a retail food establishment or section 3717.49 of the Revised Code for a food service operation.
The Ohio State University Extension of Washington County provides classes for each level.