Foodborne illnesses affect 48 million Americans each year. Illinois Extension wants to ensure the food products you produce are safe for consumers.

"All food service establishments and home-based cottage food businesses must be under the supervision of a certified food protection manager," says Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Mary Liz Wright. "If you are preparing food in your home to sell at the farmers' market, you need to be certified."

Illinois Extension is offering a Certified Food Protection Manager course and exam on May 13 from 1-6 p.m., May 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and May 16 from 1-5 p.m. at the Clark County Extension Office in Marshall.

The course will cover safe food handling, cooking and storage, foodborne illnesses, and cleaning and sanitation. The fee of $75 includes materials and an exam.

Participants must bring a valid form of identification and be present for all three days. The exam will be on the third day, and space is limited, and registration is required.

To learn more details and register, visit online go.illinois.edu/CFPM2022 by May 12. If you are unsure whether you need to be certified or need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Mary Liz Wright at 217-465-8585. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.