(Para leer la versión en español ir a Noticias Relacionadas)
Food safety in a food service establishment is non-negotiable; each year, an estimated 6 to 12 million Americans contract a food-borne illness as a result of contamination by micro-organisms. These illnesses are preventable. Proper training is the key to preparing food in a safe environment.
Kathleen Splane, family and consumer science educator for Kent County Cooperative Extension teaches the ServSafe® and Dine Safe classes at the Paradee Center in Dover. Splane said, “Customers appreciate an establishment that takes pride in serving safe food. An investment in employee food safety training reassures customers that the restaurant cares about their health and wants their repeat business.”
The ServSafe® program is the premiere food safety certification offered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). The program is designed for the food-service professional.
A ServSafe® certificate from the NRAEF will be awarded to individuals who complete the course and receive a passing grade on the exam. Instructors are registered ServSafe® instructors with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The cost of $145 for the course covers the training, textbook, lunch, and certification examination from the NRAEF. A reduced course fee of $125 is available for three or more registrants from one establishment.
In addition to ServSafe®, Delaware Cooperative Extension offers Delaware Dine Safe – a three hour short course designed to focus on the basic principles of food safety and handling. Each participant receives a training guide outlining the information covered in the program. The instructor will use presentations and hands-on activities to reinforce the lessons taught. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
The Dine Safe training concentrates on five food service topics: Food safety; ensuring proper personal hygiene; purchasing, receiving and storing foods; preparing, cooking and serving food; and cleaning and sanitizing. The Dine Safe course is $25. Dine Safe can be scheduled at a business location provided there are at least 10 employees enrolled.
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. If you have special needs that need to be accommodated, please contact the office two weeks prior to the event.
Below is Kent County’s 2010 course schedule and contact numbers: Those interested in the upcoming Spanish-language ServSafe® class must register by August 30, 2010, so they have adequate time to review materials. Please allow one week in advance for Dine Safe.
ServSafe® (in Spanish only) will be taught on:
·Tues., Sept. 14, 2010 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fee is $145 per attendee or $125 if 3 or more people from the same establishment attend
Dine Safe (in Spanish only) is offered on:
·Thurs., Oct. 21, 2010 from 1-4 p.m.
Fee is $125.00 per attendee
Registration forms for both classes are available by visiting our Food Safety link at: http://ag.udel.edu/extension and selecting either program for the full brochure which includes all English and Spanish classes or by calling the Kent County Cooperative Extension office at 302-730-4000.
