Food Handler Card
Not Required
Online Accepted?
Yes (voluntary)
Health Department
Washington County Health Department
ℹ️No county-level food handler card requirement currently exists in Washington County. Individual food worker cards are voluntary. However, every food establishment in Tennessee must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff under state law.
Food Handler Card Requirements in Washington County
Washington County, home to Johnson City in the Tri-Cities region, does not currently require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. The Washington County Health Department oversees food establishment permits and inspections. Contact them at (423) 975-2200 for current requirements.
For current, authoritative requirements, contact the Washington County Health Department directly at (423) 975-2200. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.
Tennessee's Statewide Food Manager Certification Requirement
Regardless of whether a food handler card is required in Washington County, every licensed food establishment in Tennessee must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff under Tennessee Rule 0080-04-01. This applies in every Tennessee county without exception.
The CFPM must hold a current certification from an ANAB-accredited exam provider such as ServSafe, Prometric, or NRFSP. The exam typically costs $130–$180 and is valid for approximately 5 years. This is the single food safety credential that no Tennessee food establishment can operate without.
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Johnson City?▾
No. Washington County does not currently require individual food workers to hold a food handler card. If an employer requires one, that is a company policy, not a legal mandate. Every food establishment must still have a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff under Tennessee state law.
Who do I contact about food service permits in Washington County?▾
Contact the Washington County Health Department at (423) 975-2200 for all food service permit applications, food handler card questions, and inspection inquiries in Washington County.
What food safety certification is required statewide in Tennessee?▾
Tennessee state law requires every licensed food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This applies in every Tennessee county. The CFPM must pass a proctored exam from an ANAB-accredited provider such as ServSafe. This is the one food safety credential no Tennessee food business can skip, regardless of local food handler card rules.
Could Washington County add a food handler card requirement in the future?▾
Yes. Local boards of health in Tennessee have authority to adopt food safety requirements beyond the state baseline. If Washington County were to adopt a food handler card requirement, this page would be updated. Always verify current requirements directly with the Washington County Health Department at (423) 975-2200.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Washington County Health Department at (423) 975-2200. Requirements can change.