Food Protection Manager Certification & Employee Health Agreements: Nashville restaurant guide

Metro Public Health Department (Tennessee food rules)

What it is

Tennessee requires the person in charge to show food safety knowledge. Employing a certified food protection manager is a recognized way to do that. Staff also sign an Employee Disease Reporting Agreement.

When a restaurant needs it

Before opening and maintained during operation.

How to apply

Have at least one manager pass an ANSI-accredited food protection manager exam (ServSafe, NRFSP, Prometric, etc.) and keep signed Employee Disease Reporting Agreements on file.

Documents you’ll need

Manager certificate
Signed Employee Disease Reporting Agreements (English/Spanish forms from Metro Health)

Fee

Exam fees set by private providers

Processing time

1–2 days of training and exam

Renewal

Certificates typically expire after 5 years (provider-set)

Who files

The operator arranges training; no filing is required.

Good to know

Tennessee law lists employing a certified food protection manager as one way to show knowledge rather than a blanket requirement. Confirm current expectations with Metro Health, since many inspectors expect a certified manager.

Official source

Tennessee Food Safety Act (PDF) · Metro Health — forms incl. Employee Disease Reporting Agreement

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.