Food Safety

In Idaho, home kitchens can make and sell foods that don’t require special temperature or time controls for safety, called non-TCS foods. These foods can only be sold directly to consumers in the state. Labels must include contact information, a notice that the food was made in an uninspected home kitchen, and any allergens. 

If you sell food outside of Idaho, you may need FDA approval. Wholesale operations are not eligible for the cottage food exemption. 

For more information, contact your local public health district. 

Additional Resources:

• Cottage Foods Allowable List
• Cottage Foods Assessment Form
• Cottage Foods Fact Sheet
• Cottage Foods FAQ
• Cottage Foods Not Allowable List
• Cottage Foods Product Testing Guideline
• Idaho Food Code Informational Copy

A Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) is a food booth or stand that operates for no more than fourteen days in a row in conjunction with a single event or celebration, such as a festival, farmers market, street fair, or parade. The TFE Exam is for people operating these booths that serve limited menus. 

English Resources

• Food Establishment Employee Guidelines
• Food Establishment Employee Health Decision Tree
• Food Establishment Person-in-Charge Guidelines
• Idaho Food Code Informational Copy
• Manual for Temporary Food Establishments
• Temporary Food Establishment Safety Video
• Temporary Food Establishment Exam
• Vomit and Diarrhea Clean-up 

Spanish Resources

• Manual for Temporary Food Establishments in Spanish
• Temporary Food Establishment Safety Video in Spanish

For questions about licensing, contact your local public health district. 

This exam covers basic food safety, including foodborne illness, proper food handling, and equipment safety. Completing it provides a state food safety certificate, sometimes called an Idaho food handler’s card, and it is valid for five years.

English Resources:  

• Food Establishment Employee Guidelines
• Food Establishment Employee Health Decision Tree
• Idaho Food Code Informational Copy
• Idaho Food Safety and Sanitation Manual
• Vomit and Diarrhea Clean-up
• Idaho Food Safety Exam

Spanish Resources

• Idaho Food Safety and Sanitation Manual in Spanish

This exam does not meet the Certified Food Protection Manager requirement. 

Food establishments must have at least one manager or supervisor who becomes a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This person oversees food preparation and service and ensures safe food practices are followed. A list of accredited exam providers can be found at ANSI National Accreditation Board. 

Additional Resources: 

• Certified Food Protection Manager
• Food Establishment Employee Guidelines
• Food Establishment Employee Health Decision Tree
• Idaho Food Code Information Copy
• Vomit and Diarrhea Clean-up

English Resources

• Cottage Foods Allowable List
• Cottage Foods Assessment Form
• Cottage Foods Fact Sheet
• Cottage Foods FAQ
• Cottage Foods Not Allowable List
• Cottage Foods Product Testing Guidelines
• Food Establishment Employee Guidelines
• Food Establishment Person-in-charge Guidelines
• Food Establishment Supervisor Guidelines
• Food Establishment Employee Health Decision Tree
• Idaho Food Code Information Copy
• Idaho Food Safety and Sanitation
• Manual for Temporary Food Establishments
• Vomit and Diarrhea Clean-up

Spanish Resources

• Idaho Food Safety and Sanitation Manual in Spanish
• Manual for Temporary Food Establishments in Spanish
• Temporary Food Establishment Video in Spanish