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HB 5626

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE REQUIREMENT THAT FOOD PROTECTION MANAGERS AT CLASS 2 FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS PASS A TEST AS PART OF A FOOD PROTECTION MANAGER CERTIFICATION PROGRAM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Case

Connecticut bill eliminates mandatory certification exams for food protection managers at Class 2 establishments, removing tested competency verification for food safety oversight.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#certificatesandcertification #food #restaurants
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Bill Summary · HB 5626

Legislative bill overview

HB 5626 removes the requirement for food protection managers at Class 2 food establishments in Connecticut to pass a certification exam as part of obtaining their food protection manager certification. The bill would allow these managers to become certified without demonstrating competency through a standardized test, though other certification requirements may remain.

Why is this important

Food protection managers are responsible for ensuring food safety practices that prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, which can cause serious health complications or death. This change could affect public health oversight at thousands of food service locations, including schools, hospitals, and commercial kitchens. The modification impacts regulatory standards that have been in place to ensure managers possess baseline food safety knowledge.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health risk: Removing testing requirements eliminates verification that managers understand critical food safety principles like temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and pathogen identification
  • Competitive fairness: Managers who obtained certifications under existing testing standards may view this as devaluing their qualifications and effort
  • Establishment liability: Food establishments could face increased legal exposure if foodborne illness incidents occur and inadequate manager training is identified
  • Implementation clarity: The bill doesn't specify what alternative certification methods (if any) would replace the test requirement, creating regulatory uncertainty

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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