Food Protection Management Courses

Foodborne illnesses can be prevented by following simple food safety practices. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Wise County provides a Food Protection Management Training Program that seeks to reduce the risk of food borne illness.  Two classes pertaining to food safety will be offered during the months of January. These programs target food service managers as well as a two hour food handler program which targets food service workers and those who operate a cottage food business.

• Food service managers who need to be certified or recertified can attend  a  one day certification training on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Wise County Extension office in Decatur. The exam will follow around 5:00pm. The registration fee of $115 includes course book and ServSafe exam. For those interested in taking the exam only, the cost is $65. Registration deadline is January 10, 2014.
• Food service employees and those who operate a cottage food business can attend a two hour food handler’s class on Thursday January 23, 2014 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Wise County Extension office in Decatur to learn more about good personal hygiene, cross contamination and time and temperature abuse. The registration fee is $20.00 and covers course materials and an official food handler card. Registration deadline for Food Handler certification is January 17, 2014.

A recent change to the Texas Cottage Food Law requires that anyone who operates a cottage food business have a food handler card.  The new food law also allows more foods that can be prepared and sold from a residential kitchen.  The previous law limited the foods that could be sold to mainly baked goods, jams and jellies, and dried herbs.  Under the amended law, which took effect September 1^st, the list of foods that can be sold has been expanded to include pickles, popcorn snacks, candy, unroasted nut butters, and vinegar.   In addition, these foods can be sold at venues outside the home including farmers markets, roadside stands, and fairs. 

For questions concerning these classes or the Texas Cottage Food Law please call 940/627-3341 or come by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s, Wise County Office, 206 S. State St., Decatur, Texas 76234. The Food Protection Management (FPM) Training Program is brought to you by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in cooperation with the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the County Commissioners Court Cooperating.