Besides ServSafe®, what other food safety certifications might be required for a Cilantro Taco Grill franchise?
Cilantro_Taco_Grill Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
At all times during the operation of your Franchised Business, you must have a ServSafe® Food Handler certification. The jurisdiction where your Cilantro Taco Grill Franchised Business is located may require additional food safety certifications. You, your management and the staff we designate (including cashiers) must be TIPS certified, if you are offering wine and beer. You must comply with all laws and regulations for proper food storage, preparation, and service.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and local health departments administer and enforce laws and regulations that govern food preparation and service and foodservice establishment sanitary conditions. State and local agencies inspect foodservice establishments to ensure that they comply with these laws and regulations. Some state and local authorities have adopted, or are considering adopting, laws or regulations that could affect: the content or make-up of food served at your Cilantro Taco Grill outlet, such as the level of trans fat contained in a food item; general requirements or restrictions on advertising containing false or misleading claims, or health and nutrient claims on menus or otherwise, such as "low calorie" or "fat free"; and the posting of calorie and other nutritional information on menus.
With our approval, if permitted by applicable law, the Franchised Business may also offer beer and wine. You must comply with any federal, state, county, municipal, or other local laws and regulations relating to alcohol that may apply to your Franchised Business. You should consult with your attorney concerning those and other local laws and ordinances that may affect the operation of your Franchised Business. You must obtain any applicable real estate permits (such as zoning), real estate licenses, beer and wine licenses and operational licenses. You must secure and maintain the mandatory licenses and permits. There is a wide variation in state and local laws and regulations that govern the sale of alcoholic beverages. The difficulty and cost of obtaining a beer and wine license and the procedures for securing the license vary greatly from area to area. State operated Alcohol Beverage Control Agencies are one resource that can assist you with the different beer and wine licenses available in the state in which your Franchised Businessis located. In addition, state "dram shop" laws give rise to potential liability for injuries that are directly or indirectly related to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–10)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to the 2024 Cilantro Taco Grill Franchise Disclosure Document, in addition to ServSafe® Food Handler certification, the jurisdiction where the Cilantro Taco Grill franchise is located may require additional food safety certifications. If the franchise offers wine and beer, the franchisee, their management, and designated staff (including cashiers) must be TIPS certified. Franchisees must comply with all laws and regulations for proper food storage, preparation, and service.
The FDD also states that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and local health departments administer and enforce laws and regulations that govern food preparation and service and foodservice establishment sanitary conditions. State and local agencies inspect foodservice establishments to ensure that they comply with these laws and regulations. Some state and local authorities have adopted, or are considering adopting, laws or regulations that could affect the content or make-up of food served at your Cilantro Taco Grill outlet, such as the level of trans fat contained in a food item; general requirements or restrictions on advertising containing false or misleading claims, or health and nutrient claims on menus or otherwise, such as "low calorie" or "fat free"; and the posting of calorie and other nutritional information on menus.
Furthermore, if the Cilantro Taco Grill franchise offers beer and wine, franchisees must comply with all federal, state, county, municipal, or other local laws and regulations relating to alcohol that may apply to their Franchised Business. Franchisees should consult with their attorney concerning those and other local laws and ordinances that may affect the operation of their Franchised Business. Franchisees must obtain any applicable real estate permits (such as zoning), real estate licenses, beer and wine licenses and operational licenses and maintain the mandatory licenses and permits. State operated Alcohol Beverage Control Agencies are one resource that can assist with the different beer and wine licenses available in the state in which the Franchised Business is located. In addition, state "dram shop" laws give rise to potential liability for injuries that are directly or indirectly related to the sale and consumption of alcohol.
In summary, beyond ServSafe®, a Cilantro Taco Grill franchisee needs to be aware of potential local requirements for food safety, alcohol sales (if applicable), and general business operations. The franchisee is responsible for investigating these requirements and securing all necessary licenses and permits, highlighting the importance of local legal counsel.