Food Manager Certification Training Course Offered

Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, one in six Americans will become sick, 128,000 will become hospitalized, and 3,000 will die due to a foodborne illness.

Under the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) jurisdiction each food establishment is required to have one certified food manager employed by that establishment.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Washington and Fayette Counties are offering a professional food manager certification training course. This program will be offered for $125 on Nov. 9 and 10, at VIP Building at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Registration deadline is Oct. 23. Cost includes training, materials, and a national food manager certification examination. The food manager’s certification will be valid anywhere in the state of Texas for five years.

This program is designed to not only prepare foodservice managers to pass the certification examination; it will provide valuable education regarding the safe handling of food. Almost 50 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food is spent on meals prepared away from home. Therefore, careful attention to food safety will help keep customers safe and satisfied.

For more information about the Professional Food Manager Certification Training course of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, called “Food Safety: It’s Our Business,” call Fayette County Extension Office at (979) 968-5831. Remember, registration deadline is Oct. 23.