Food Safety

Senate Bill 1283 was signed into law, effective March 20, 2026. It replaces and supersedes the cottage food rule that was defined previously in IDAPA 16.02.19. This bill includes the addition of the Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act as a new Chapter 2 for Title 37, Idaho Code. The Food Protection Program is working to provide updated guidance for cottage foods and other products included in this act. Updated guidance will be posted here. The full text of the bill can be found here: Senate Bill 1283 – Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act.

Producers or designated agents selling food or drinks through the Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act must inform the end consumer that their products are not subject to inspection or licensing. This requirement could be met with a conspicuously displayed sign, label affixed to the food product, or card given to the informed end consumer that states: “This product is not subject to government food safety inspection or licensing requirements. It may contain allergens.” This notification must also include the name and contact information of the producer, and a list of ingredients used in the product if it contains two or more ingredients.

If you sell food or drinks outside of Idaho, you may need FDA approval. Wholesale operations are not exempted from regulation by the Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act. 

For more information, contact your local public health district. 

Additional Resources:

• Senate Bill 1283 – Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act
• 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 Assessment Form
• Cottage Foods Fact Sheet
• Cottage Foods FAQ
• Cottage Foods Allowable List
• 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