TGCSA has learned from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) that the state is moving toward adoption of the 2022 FDA Food Code, replacing the 2009 Food Code currently used to regulate Tennessee retail food establishments. 

TDA, which regulates grocery stores, convenience stores and other retail food establishments, began pursuing the update after some local jurisdictions indicated plans to move toward the newer standards. Adoption of the 2022 Code will provide greater consistency in food-safety requirements across the state. 

TDA is compiling a list of changes retailers will need to make to comply with the updated rules, which are expected to take effect in 2027. The Department plans an educational approach to implementation, allowing businesses time to understand and adapt to the new requirements before enforcement begins. 

Importantly, TDA has assured TGCSA that Tennessee does not intend to adopt the FDA Food Code provision requiring the Person in Charge to be a Certified Food Protection Manager. Instead, the state plans to retain its current approach, under which an on-site Person in Charge must be able to demonstrate knowledge of applicable food-safety requirements. 
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TDA is keeping TGCSA informed as the new rules and implementation timeline are developed. We will provide members with details on the changes, compliance requirements and effective dates as they become available. ​

Yesterday the U.S. Department of Justice filed, on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, a notice that it will appeal the judgement that vacated SNAP waivers in Tennessee and four other states. The notice came in just under the wire, as the government had until midnight tonight to signal its intent to appeal.