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 due 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…. Read More →

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…. Read More →

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bosque County will offer three accredited Food Handlers courses to help food retail locations meet the requirements of the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Meridian Civic Center, 9:00-11:00AM Monday, March 6, 2017, at the Clifton Civic Center, 9:00-11:00AM Monday, May 8, 2017, at the Meridian Civic Center, 9:00-11:00AM The Texas Food Establishment Rules are in place to safeguard public health and provide consumers food that is safe and honestly presented.  All food retail establishments in Texas are required… Read More →

The Texas Legislature recently approved changes to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER).  The Texas Food Establishment Rules are in place to safeguard public health and provide consumers food that is safe and honestly presented.  All food retail establishments in Texas are required to follow these rules.  The recent revisions went into effect on October 1, 2015. A major change in the revision rules is a requirement that all food employees must complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment, effective September 1, 2016. … Read More →

Interested in starting up your own Cottage Food Business? Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Bosque County will be offering a fun course called Cooking Up a Cottage Food Business and Food Handler’s Certification at 2pm on Friday, April 8, 2016, at the Meridian Civic Center.  The cost of the course is $20, payable at the door. This two- in-one class is the best way to help you get started with your Cottage Food Business!  Start with a “Cooking Up A Cottage Food Business,” presentation designed to help you… Read More →

The Texas Legislature recently approved changes to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER).  The Texas Food Establishment Rules are in place to safeguard public health and provide consumers food that is safe and honestly presented.  All food retail establishments in Texas are required to follow these rules.  The recent revisions went into effect on October 11, 2015. A major change in the revision rules is a requirement that all food employees must complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment, effective September 16, 2016. … Read More →

The Texas Legislature recently approved changes to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER).  The Texas Food Establishment Rules are in place to safeguard public health and provide consumers food that is safe and honestly presented.  All food retail establishments in Texas are required to follow these rules.  The recent revisions will be effective October 11, 2015. A major change in the revision rules is a requirement that all food employees must complete an accredited food handlers training program within 60 days of employment, effective September 16, 2016. Texas… Read More →