Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Kay Davis, 806-775-1740, Edavis@ag.tamu.edu
LUBBOCK – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct two food safety programs accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services on June 11.
The courses, both with the same curriculum, will be taught from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and again from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension office in Lubbock County, 916 Main St. in Lubbock.
The meetings will be held in the First Floor Lobby Meeting Room.
Kay Davis, AgriLife Extension agent in Lubbock County, said the course is now a requirement for all food service employees in Texas. These include daycare teachers and others who serve food to children and adults, as well as those who sell baked and canned goods at farmers markets and elsewhere.
“A major change in the revised Texas Food Establishment Rules that go into effect Sept. 16 is that they require all food employees to complete an accredited food handlers training program, such as the two being offered, within 60 days of employment,” Davis said. “This required course is meant to help promote the service of safe food. The certificate awarded to those who successfully complete the course is good for two years and valid anywhere in Texas.”
Davis said the courses offer a basic overview of food safety practices necessary to ensure safe food is served. Practices to be discussed include proper personal hygiene, cross contamination, and time and temperature mistakes while cooking.
Individual registration is $20 and must be paid in full by June 8. For more information and to register, call the AgriLife Extension office in Lubbock County at 806-775-1740.
Davis said the courses will be taught in English, but Spanish translation handouts are available if requested in advance.
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