United States · Food safety certificationMichigan Food Law, section 289.2129
| Who must employ one | Food service, extended retail and in-grocery food service establishments |
|---|---|
| Exempt | Licensed temporary food service establishments |
| Exams accepted | ANSI-accredited, using CFP standards |
| Recognition | By the state and every local government |
Who needs a food safety manager in Michigan?
MCL 289.2129 applies to food service establishments, except licensed temporary ones, to extended retail food establishments, and to food service establishments inside retail grocery stores. Each must employ a minimum of one certified food safety manager.
The law lets the state set compliance dates and certification fees by rule, and doesn't give a renewal period either, so a certificate runs for whatever term its issuing program sets.
Is ServSafe certification recognized everywhere in Michigan?
The law says a certified person must be recognized with full faith and credit by the state and all local units of government. A city or county can still run a food handler, employee health or manager certification program, as long as it doesn't conflict with the state law.
Detroit's health department, for example, says a certified food manager is required for each establishment unless it's exempt, and that a food handler card isn't required, though your employer may ask for one.
Sources: Michigan Food Law · Detroit Health Department · ServSafe and 2 more. Checked October 2026.
- Michigan Food Law, MCL 289.2129 ↗
- Detroit Health Department: Food safety ↗
- ServSafe: Does my certificate expire? ↗
- National Registry (NRFSP): Food Safety Manager Certification ↗
- StateFoodSafety: Food Safety Manager Certification ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.