ARTHUR – This October, University of Illinois Extension in Moultrie-Douglas County is offering the state mandated Certified Food Protection Manager course and test. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires all food establishments be supervised by a Certified Food Protection Manager during hours of operation.

The two-day course will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. October 23 and 25 at the new Moultrie-Douglas County Extension Office, 304 E. Progress St., Arthur. Participants must attend both classes. The certificate exam will take place October 25. Please bring a valid photo ID to the exam.

The class will be taught by Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf and provides the minimum classroom work to prepare for the national certification exam. Topics include food-borne illnesses, safe food handling, cooking and storage, employee health and hygiene, facility safety and maintenance, cleaning and sanitization. Food service staff need to renew certification every five years.

Please register by September 30 online at go.illinois.edu/dmp or by calling the Extension office at (217) 453-3755. A course fee includes the textbook, class materials and exam. The cost is $115. Retests will cost $50. If a reader or translator is needed, contact the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals at (800) 446-0257 or customer.service@nrfsp.com.

Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call (217) 877-6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.