Sussex Extension office to hold ServSafe training exam April 16
The University of Delaware Sussex County Cooperative Extension office in Georgetown will offer a ServSafe food safety course from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 16. The training will be held at the Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown.
The ServSafe program is the premier food safety certification offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The program is designed for the food-service professional, but is also appropriate for anyone who handles and serves food to the public (cafeterias, churches, halls and schools).
A ServSafe certificate from the NRAEF will be awarded to individuals who complete the course and receive a passing grade on the written exam. The cost of $150 for the course covers the training, textbook, lunch and certification examination from the NRAEF. A reduced course fee of $130 is available for three or more registrants from one establishment. A ServSafe certification is valid for five years and is nationally recognized.
Food safety in a food service establishment is non-negotiable; each year, an estimated 6 million to 12 million Americans contract a food-borne illness as a result of microorganism contamination. These illnesses are preventable. Proper training is the key to preparing food in a safe environment.
Dr. Anne Camasso, Family & Consumer Science educator for Sussex Cooperative Extension, is a certified ServSafe instructor and a registered ServSafe proctor. Camasso said employee instruction in food safety practices is not only vital, but makes good business sense.
“With all the information about food-borne illnesses in the news today, people want to make sure they get the best for their money. Restaurants who can demonstrate that they have done all in their power to provide safe, as well as tasty food, have a better chance of bringing in the business, ” says Camasso.
It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin. Those with special needs should advise the office upon registering.
Additional classes will be offered Thursday, June 20, and Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Deadlines to register for all ServSafe classes are approximately three weeks prior to class date, in order for students to obtain and study materials for the national exam.
For a full listing of all food safety classes countywide and statewide, and to download registration forms, go to http://extension.udel.edu/fcs/food-safety. For more information about Sussex County trainings, contact Kim Lewis at 302-856-2585, Ext. 542.
Child care credits, accepted by the Delaware Office of Child Care Licensing, are available with both courses. Those who require an OCCL certificate should notify staff at registration.
