What is ServSafe? - Sampson Independent

Most foodborne illnesses occur in persons who are not part of recognized outbreaks. For many victims, foodborne illness results only in discomfort or lost time from the job. For some, especially preschool age children, older adults in health care facilities, and those with impaired immune systems, foodborne illness is more serious and may be life threatening.

ServSafe training is an excellent way of helping reduce this risk. ServSafe is an educational program that was developed by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to educate food service workers about food safety. ServSafe estimates that the average American purchases about 200 restaurant meals each year. CDC estimates 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne diseases each year in the United States. Restaurants with managers certified in food safety are less likely to have foodborne illness outbreaks, have better food safety practices, and have better scores and fewer violations on their health inspections.

This class is for food service managers and supervisory staff at restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, child-care facilities, and other food-handling establishments that need to meet the 2017 FDA Food Code and the NC Food Code requirements for food safety and sanitation grading. A 1-day course will be offered which includes 6 hours of classroom training followed by an exam. This 1-day course will be sponsored by the Sampson County Health Department and is taught by county health inspectors.

Some of the key concepts presented during the course include:

• Sanitation: You will learn the dangers of foodborne illness, how to prevent it and the keys to food safety. You will learn how contamination occurs, the components of good personal hygiene, and how every employee can be a safe food handler.

• The Flow of Food: You will learn how to prevent cross-contamination, and how to use time and temperature controls effectively. A focus will be on safe receiving, storing, handling, cooking, cooling, and reheating of foods.

• Sanitary Facilities and Pest Management: You will learn critical aspects of cleaning, sanitation, and pest management.

This class will be held on May 1, 2023, at the Sampson County Health Department. Deadline to register for the class is April 12. The registration fee includes a study book and all testing materials.

For more information, contact Jason Royal with the Sampson County Health Department at 910-592-4675 or visit our website at www.sampsonnc.com.

Jason Royal is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist at Sampson County Environmental Health.

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