Statistics indicate that foodborne illness continues to be a health issue in the United States. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans will become sick, 128,000 will become hospitalized, and 3,000 will die due to a foodborne illness. Lost wages do to illness coupled with the loss of business, reputation, employees and the potential for litigation against the business that originated the foodborne illness can become a problem for our local economy. Fortunately, there are ways we can prevent foodborne illness that originate at the restaurant and at home.
Per the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Texas Food Establishment Rules, all food establishment employees who handle food must complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of employment. This course is intended to provide a valuable education regarding the safe handling of food and provide a certification that lasts for two years.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bosque County provides such an accreditation course in-person and online. Family and Community Health agent Chris Coon will be hosting an in-person Food Handler’s Certification course on Saturday, January 26th at the Bosque County Law Enforcement Center. The 3-hour course will begin at 9am and cost $20 per participant.
For questions, more information, or to RSVP, please complete the form below or contact the Family & Community Health Extension agent, Chris Coon, at 254-435-2331 or at chris.coon@ag.tamu.edu
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