Freeport, Ill.--- Whether dining out for a special occasion or grabbing a quick meal on the go, people expect food that is both high-quality and safe. This expectation plays a major role in where people choose to eat. To protect customers and maintain public health, restaurants are required to follow strict food safety standards—beginning with well-trained staff.
To support safe food handling practices, the Illinois Department of Public Health requires retail food establishment managers to hold an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. Those receiving this certification have specialized training in employee health and hygiene, safe food-handling practices, cleaning and sanitizing, and HACCP. The certificate is valid for 5 years from the exam date and must be retaken upon expiration.
University of Illinois Extension is offering a two-day course this March for individuals seeking the nationally recognized CFPM certification. The course will be held on Monday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Friday, March 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Stephenson County Farm Bureau Building, 210 W. Spring ST, Freeport. Attendance at both sessions is required to be eligible for the exam. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early and bring a valid photo ID.
The $125 program fee includes course materials, the certification exam, and lunch. Preregistration is required. To register, call the Extension office at (815) 235-4125 or visit go.illinois.edu/jsw.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, please call (815) 235-4125.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.