SUNBURY - The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requires "the person in charge" in a food service operation to hold a nationally recognized food protection certificate such as ServSafe. Establishments not meeting this requirement have 90 days after their date of inspection to comply in order to obtain or maintain their food license.
For those whose establishment does not meet the certification requirement or whose current certification is about to expire, Penn State Cooperative Extension will offer a ServSafe Food Safety Certification Training course from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from Sept. 15 to 29. The course includes the certification exam. The program will be held at Penn State Extension in Northumberland County, 443 Plum Creek Road.
Cost for the two-day certification course is $175.
This nationally recognized certification program helps establishments demonstrate to the public, employees and co-workers a commitment to providing safe food to consumers. With approximately 3,000 deaths per year related to food-borne illness, this course outlines safe food handling practices to protect customers, increase profitability, reduce liability, promote good will and enhance a business's competitive position.
Lynn James, extension educator for Penn State Extension, will be the instructor. Additional questions about the class can be addressed by the extension Office in Northumberland County at 570-988-3950. Register online at www.extension.psu.edu/food/safety/courses/servsafe or call the office. Registration deadline is Sept. 8, or when class is filled.
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact Lynn James at 570-988-3950 in advance of your participation or visit.