OSU Extension’s food safety certification training upcoming

The Holmes County OSU Extension will offer two food safety certification courses in March. Family and consumer sciences educator Kate Shumaker will be the lead instructor for both programs. Food service manager and Person in Charge programs will be available.

The National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe Manager training course is being taught on Tuesdays, March 5, 12 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the proctored exam on Tuesday, March 26 at 9 a.m. The ServSafe Manager course will be held at the Love Center’s community room, 1291 Massillon Road (state Route 241), Millersburg. The cost is $150 per student. The class size is limited to 10 participants. Participants must attend all three classes. Registration will be accepted through Friday, March 1.

The ServSafe Manager training meets Ohio Department of Health Manager Certification in Food Protection requirements by providing food safety and safe food handling education for owners, managers and operators within the food service industry. This training enhances understanding of major food safety principles including factors leading to contamination of food, time and temperature abuse, cross-contamination, and personal hygiene. Program participants will receive a textbook and take the National Restaurant Association ServSafe certification examination. Those successfully completing the course and passing the exam will receive Ohio Certification in Food Protection from ODH.

Person in Charge Certification is a one-day food safety training that meets ODH training requirements for food service employees and those opening an establishment for the first time. The PIC program enhances employee understanding of major food safety principles: time and temperature abuse, cross-contamination, and personal hygiene. This program includes several hands-on activities, handouts and a certificate of completion recognized by ODH.

The PIC program is being taught on Thursday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Love Center’s community room. The cost is $25 per student. Registration will be accepted through Tuesday, March 26.

Call Shumaker at the Holmes County OSU Extension at 330-674-3015, email her at shumaker.68@osu.edu or visit holmes.osu.edu for more information and to obtain a registration form.