Food safety in Georgia involves meeting state requirements for commercial establishments.
For commercial food establishments
- Licensing: All food sales establishments must be licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
- Staff Certification: Each establishment must have at least one employee with a nationally recognized food protection manager certification.
- Employee Hygiene: Employees must follow strict hygiene rules, including proper handwashing, hair restraints, and reporting illnesses.
- Temperature Control: Cold foods must be kept at or below 41f and hot foods at or above 135f. All time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared on-site and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with a discard date, with a maximum holding period of seven days.
- Allergen Labeling: Ready-to-eat foods must have clear allergen statements and a discard date.
- Facility Standards: The facility must be clean and sanitary, with proper pest control, handwashing stations, and ware washing areas.
- Inspections: The Georgia Department of Public Health conducts inspections, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates manufactured food.
For homemade food businesses
- Cottage Food Law: You can sell non-potentially hazardous foods made in your home, such as bread, cookies, and jams.
- License: You must obtain a cottage food license to legally sell these items.
- Training: Before applying for a license, you must complete an ANAB-accredited food handler training course.
- Certification: You will receive a food handler's card and certificate upon passing the course, which must be submitted with your license application.
GA Department of Agriculture – Food Safety
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) works to make sure that Georgians have food that is safe to eat. Our Food Safety team has resources on keeping food safe. We publish a list of food recalls weekly.
Georgia Department of Public Health – Food Safety
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is the lead agency in preventing disease, injury and disability; promoting health and well-being and preparing for and responding to disasters from a health perspective.
Georgia Restaurant Association
The Georgia Restaurant Association is the leading advocate and resource for the restaurant industry in Georgia. Representing over 23,000 eating and drinking establishments, GRA provides the resources, tools, and support needed to empower restaurants of all sizes.
UGA Extension – Food Safety
Learn more about both commercial and home food safety through the resources offered by UGA Extension.
GA Department of Education – Food Safety
The Department of Education provides a comprehensive suite of resources for the training and establishment of a food-based business.
360 Training - Learn & Serve
Founded in 1997, 360 training provides regulatory-approved training, helping individuals and organizations create safer, healthier environments I the communities they serve.
Georgia Food Certification
Understand the rules, requirements, and inspection process that govern food safety for restaurants and food businesses in Georgia. This guide makes it easy to navigate Georgia food code requirements, local health department rules, and practical steps for compliance.
Georgia Food Industry Association
The SafeMark Certified Food Protection Manager training course prepares managers to implement proven food safety practices and systems, maintain a safe and hygienic foodservice operation, and oversee the training and daily practices of hourly food workers to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.