Food Handler’s Course

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. 

The “Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)” was revised and updated and became effective October 11, 2015.  A major change in the revision now requires all food employees to complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment.  The Texas Cottage Food Law also requires that anyone who operates a cottage food business have a food handler card. 

Food service employees and those who operate a cottage food business can attend a two hour Food Handler’s Class, accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services, on Wednesday, February 8 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Wise County office located at 206 S. State Street in Decatur. 

This 2 hour course will now be required for all food service employees to help promote the service of safe food.  The certificate is good for 2 years and is valid anywhere in the State of Texas. Participants will learn about good personal hygiene, cross contamination and time and temperature abuse.

Contact the Extension office at 940/627-3341 to sign up.  The registration fee is $20.00 and covers course materials and an official food handler card.  Registration deadline for the Food Handler certification course is Monday, February 6.  Space is limited. 

Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aide service or accommodation in order to participate in the event are encouraged to contact our office within 5 working days prior to the program.  Educational programs of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, national origin or genetic information or veteran status.

The class is taught in English, but Spanish handouts are available if requested in advance.

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.

Food Protection Management Courses

The Food Protection Management Training Program seeks to reduce the risk of food borne illness.  Two classes pertaining to food safety will be offered by the Wise County Extension office during the month of August.

• Food service employees and those who operate a cottage food business  can attend a two hour food handler’s class on August 17, 2016 from 2:00pm to 4:30pm 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.
• Food service managers can attend  a  one day certification training on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (training) followed by the State Exam at the Wise County Extension office in Decatur. The registration fee of $115 includes course book and ServeSafe exam.

Registration deadline is August 12, 2016 and is limited to the first 20 paid participants.

For questions concerning these classes 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 class is taught in English, but Spanish handouts are available if requested in advance.

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.

Food Handler’s Course

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.  

Food service employees and those who operate a cottage food business can attend a two hour food handler’s class on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 2:00 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 June 15, 2015.

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 in 2013, 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.