About Us
County Impact Statements - Columbia County
Extension Program Promotes Safe Food
Food safety is critical for restaurant and food service providers.. Foodborne
illness symptoms can range from upset stomach and discomfort to fatalities. No
customer wants to eat where customers have become ill in the past. Food safety
is NON-NEGOTIABLE and not optional. Providers who slip up in this area may find
themselves out of business.
In an effort to help food services provide safe food, the Cooperative
Extension Service offers "SERVE SAFE ," a food safety training course that
teaches correct handling procedures. Persons taking the SERVE SAFE course gain
up-to-date information for all levels of employees on all aspects of handling
food. Participants gain knowledge in the areas of receiving food into the
establishment, storage, food preparation, serving, sanitation, and pest
management. In addition they learn how food becomes unsafe.
Instruction is provided by Extension Agents and Health Department personnel.
These classes are offered each year for area food service providers.
Food service providers being trained.
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Impacts
- Columbia Co. has trained 65 food service providers Since 1997.
- 17 out of 19 passed course in 2001.
- 90% can identify potential sources of food Contaminates associated With
human contact with Food.
- Participants can recognize personal hygiene , avoiding cross
contamination and buying from approved sources as practices for ensuring
food safety.
- Food Service Trainers are recertified every two years.
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