Professional food manager course set for Aug. 19 and 20 in Lubbock

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a two-day professional food manager certification training on Aug. 19 and 20 in Lubbock.

The training will be held from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the AgriLife Extension Service office in Lubbock County, 916 Main St., Suite 401.

The cost to attend is $125 and includes course materials, training and the exam. Registration deadline is Aug. 5 and individuals need to call the county office at 806-775-1740 to register. Certifications are valid anywhere in the state for five years.

“We are very excited to offer this in-person, two-day training to fully prepare those who are required to have the food manager’s certification to be confident in providing safe food to the public and to pass the ServSafe exam,” said Cory Edwards, AgriLife Extension family and community health agent in Lubbock County.

Participants trained on food safety best practices

The Texas Department of State Health Services requires establishments to employ at least one certified food manager to ensure best handling practices and regulations are followed.

Edwards said 3,000 people can potentially die each year from foodborne illnesses and a majority of those could be prevented by following simple food safety best practices. Participants will learn the major causes of foodborne illnesses and receive information on prevention and how to teach food safety to other employees.

Food manager course topics

The course will cover the following topics:

• Identifying potentially hazardous foods and common errors in food handling.
• Preventing contamination and cross-contamination.
• Teaching and encouraging personal hygiene for employees.
• Complying with government regulations.
• Understanding the hazardous analysis and critical control points management system.