Professional Food Manager Certification Training Course Being Offered in October

Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 6 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 when open to have one certified food manager on site.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Fayette County, is offering a 2-day professional food manager certification training course. This program will be offered for $125 on Oct. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Randolph Recreational Center, 653 East Pearl Street, La Grange. 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. The deadline for registering is Friday, Sept. 19.

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.

Foodborne illnesses are estimated to cost thousands of dollars in lost wages, insurance, and medical bills. With these statistics, knowledge of how to prevent foodborne illness is essential. The benefits of improved food safety include: Increased customer satisfaction Improved relationships with health officials Prevention of bad publicity and law suits due to foodborne illness By attending the course, food service managers will learn about: Identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling. Preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food. Teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employee. Complying with government regulations. Maintaining clean utensils, equipment and surroundings, and controlling pests.

Food borne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. 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 the Fayette County Extension Office at (979) 968-5831.

The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.

The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in this meeting are encouraged to contact the Fayette County Extension Office at (979) 9685831 seven work days prior to the meeting to determine how reasonable accommodations can be made.