Massachusetts Food Handlers Card: What's Actually Required (2026)
Quick answer
- Required?
- No — there is no government mandate in Massachusetts
- Employers
- May still require food safety training as a job condition
- Voluntary
- An ANAB-accredited course typically costs $10–$15 online
Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Massachusetts Department of Public Health
No — Massachusetts does not require food handler cards for individual workers. Under 105 CMR 590, each food establishment needs a person in charge who is a Certified Food Protection Manager, and at least one CFPM per establishment must also hold a Massachusetts allergen awareness certificate.
Massachusetts does not require food handler cards for individual workers. The state's food regulation — 105 CMR 590, which adopts the 2013 FDA Food Code — says employees must be trained in food safety and allergen awareness relevant to their duties, but leaves that training to employers and issues no worker credential. A voluntary ANAB-accredited course ($7–$15, about two hours) satisfies most employer requirements.
What makes Massachusetts stand out is a double requirement at the top of the org chart. Since October 1, 2001, every food establishment has needed at least one person in charge who is a Certified Food Protection Manager. And under 105 CMR 590.011(C), at least one CFPM per establishment must also hold a Massachusetts allergen awareness certificate — an MDPH-approved course (about $10 online, valid 5 years) born from the state's food allergy awareness law. Both burdens fall on management. Local boards of health, notably Boston's, can layer on their own rules, so managers should check locally.
Who needs a food handler card in Massachusetts?
No individual Massachusetts food worker needs a card. Employees must be trained in food safety and allergen awareness relevant to their duties, but that training is documented by the employer, not certified by the state. The credentials Massachusetts does mandate sit at the establishment level: at least one person in charge who is a Certified Food Protection Manager, plus — a Massachusetts twist — at least one CFPM per establishment who also holds a state-approved allergen awareness certificate.
Why get certified anyway?
Even without a legal mandate in Massachusetts, many employers require food safety training as a hiring condition, and a completed ANAB-accredited food handler course is a real advantage when applying for restaurant jobs. Online courses typically cost $10–$15 and take under two hours.
Recognized training options
Do Massachusetts establishments also need a certified food manager?
Yes, twice over. 105 CMR 590.003(A)(2) has required at least one person in charge who is a Certified Food Protection Manager since October 1, 2001. On top of that, 105 CMR 590.011(C) requires at least one CFPM per establishment to hold a Massachusetts allergen awareness certificate from an MDPH-approved vendor (about $10 online, valid 5 years). Local boards of health, such as Boston's, may add their own requirements.
If you're aiming for a supervisor role, see our guide to food manager certification — it's a different credential with a proctored exam and higher pay potential.
Not sure what applies to you? Use the requirements checker or read how to get a food handlers card for the general process.
Massachusetts food handler card FAQ
Do I need a food handlers card in Massachusetts?
No. Massachusetts mandates no card or certificate for individual food workers. You must be trained in food safety and allergen awareness relevant to your duties, but your employer handles that — the state issues nothing to line workers. Employers may require a voluntary course as their own policy.
What is the Massachusetts allergen awareness certificate?
A requirement unique to Massachusetts: under 105 CMR 590.011(C), at least one Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment must also complete an MDPH-approved allergen awareness course. The online version costs about $10 and the certificate is valid 5 years. It stacks on top of the regular CFPM requirement.
Does a Massachusetts restaurant need a certified food manager?
Yes. Since October 1, 2001, 105 CMR 590.003(A)(2) has required at least one person in charge per establishment to be a Certified Food Protection Manager through an ANSI-CFP accredited exam. 105 CMR 590 adopts the 2013 FDA Food Code by reference.
Can Boston or other Massachusetts cities add food safety requirements?
Yes. Local boards of health may impose requirements beyond 105 CMR 590 — Boston is the most commonly cited example. None that we verified requires a food handler card for all workers, but if you work in food service, check your city or town health department's rules.
Official sources
Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.
- 105 CMR 590.000 Minimum Sanitation Standards for Food Establishments (PDF) — Massachusetts Department of Public Health
- Food Allergen Awareness Guidance — Massachusetts Department of Public Health