UPDATE: As of February 17, 2017, the New Mexico Environment Department’s deadline for compliance has been EXTENDED to March 1, 2018.
FAQ’s on Food Safety Deadline
What if we are not compliant by March 1, 2017? What are the penalties?
If a facility in NMED jurisdiction is inspected and an owner/manager/employee does not have a Certified Food Protection Manager Certification and/or all food employees do not have Food Handler Cards, it will be recorded on the inspection form as a Core or Priority Foundation violation. The certified manager requirement is a Core Item and the Food Handler Card requirement is a Priority Foundation Item. The regulations require follow-up on Priority Foundation violations within 10 days and Core violations within 90 days. If a facility is registered in a course as you outlined below, NMED will extend the correction date until the scheduled course date.
So, if I don’t have a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff by 3/1/17 but I have someone at least registered for an upcoming class, I’m okay?
If you are inspected, you will still receive a Core Item Violation, but the 90 day follow-up period will be extended to the date of the class.
How do I find a Manager Level Certification class in my area?
Check our calendar periodically for updated classes here.
Sign up to receive a weekly calendar emailed directly to you here.
Contact us with your fax number to receive a weekly calendar via fax here.
If one of my food handlers is not yet certified by 3/1/2017, what will happen?
If you are inspected, you will still receive a Priority Foundation Violation. If they are registered for an upcoming class, the 10 day follow up will be extended to the date of the class. Don’t forget that Food Handlers can take a class online 24/7 to fulfill this requirement.
How do I find a Food Handler class in my area?
Take the online class here.
Check our calendar periodically for updated classes here.
Sign up to receive a weekly calendar emailed directly to you here.
Contact us with your fax number to receive a weekly calendar via fax here.
What if my restaurant is in Albuquerque or Bernalillo County?
You do not have to meet the requirements at this time.
Where can I find out more about Food Handler and Certified Manager requirements?
Visit the Food Handler FAQ here.
Visit the Certified Manager FAQ here.
Where can I get more details on the regulations?
Visit NMRA’s Food Safety Resource Page for links to ordinances, printable documents from the New Mexico Environment Department, sample inspection forms, and more.
