What is the course about?
This course is a standardized food safety training curriculum developed by the Produce Safety Alliance and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The course covers content including requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule and good agricultural practices that fresh produce growers and packers can implement to help them become compliant with the Produce Safety Rule requirements.
Who should attend?
Farms and businesses that grow, harvest, pack, or hold fresh fruits and vegetables that are likely to be consumed raw should have at least one person (preferably a supervisor) complete the course. Find out if your produce item is likely to be consumed raw according to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.
What is the method of delivery?
The course can be taken in person for a full day or virtually via Zoom for two half days (back-to-back). Trainers and lead trainers from University of Illinois Extension deliver content in real time for both formats.
What language is used to deliver the course?
University of Illinois Extension delivers the course in English. Growers who would like to take the course in a different language can check out the upcoming grower trainings on the Produce Safety Alliance website.
How much time do I need to complete the course?
In-person courses often run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Virtual courses run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for two days. Breaks are built into each of the course agendas. Most of your time will be spent covering the modules below:
- Module 1: Introduction to Produce Safety
- Module 2: Worker Health, Hygiene, and Training
- Module 3: Soil Amendments
- Module 4: Wildlife, Domesticated Animals, and Land Use
- Module 5.1: Agricultural Water – Part I: Production/Preharvest Water
- Module 5.2: Agricultural Water – Part 2: Postharvest Water
- Module 6: Postharvest Handling and Sanitation
- Module 7: How to Develop a Farm Food Safety Plan
I do not have time to sit through all modules. Is there another option to take the course?
Yes. The Produce Safety Alliance has an online course that you can take at your own pace for 3 weeks.
Do you provide certificates to participants?
Yes. A certificate is mailed to all participants who complete all modules of the course. Certificates have no expiration dates. Those interested may take the course more than once.
Do we have to take an exam before we get the certificate?
No. Your full attendance with the training manual through all modules and active participation is all you need to get the certificate.
Is there a cost associated with the course?
Yes. The money is used to buy a training manual ($60) received by each person who registers for the training, a certificate of completion ($35) for each person who completes the training, and shipping costs for mailing these materials to your address. Additional charges or scholarships to offset costs may apply as indicated on the registration page.