Food Safety Certification Training

for scheduling and registration information - View a printable brochure of this program

Designed for food service managers, chefs, caterers, cooks, health officials, and inspectors

February - July 2008

Carlisle, Chambersburg, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, McConnellsburg, Middletown, New Bloomfield, Schuylkill Haven, and York

For scheduling and registration information, please see our printable brochure

Featuring:

• 16-hour Classroom Format
• 8-Hour Classroom/Self-Study Format
• Recertification

This course fulfills Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture requirements for the Food Employee Certification Act. Check your PDA Certificate expiration date.

The Problem

Each year in the United States there are an estimated 76 million cases of food-borne illness that result in an estimated 5,200 deaths. About 95 percent of all food-borne illnesses are caused by mishandling of food. Many food-handling practices that cause illness are related to poor temperature control or poor sanitation.

The Solution

Penn State’s nationally recognized certification program offers valuable instruction to help you reduce problems caused by food mishandling. The course demonstrates to the public, employees, and co-workers your commitment to provide safe food to consumers.

The course can help you to:

• protect customers
• increase profitability
• reduce liability
• promote goodwill
• maintain patronage
• enhance competitiveness

Topics

Who needs to be in compliance with the Food Employee Certification Act?

Fee and General Information

Certification
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) food employee certification regulation states that food establishments regulated by the PDA or a local health agency must employ at least one supervisory employee who has successfully completed a certified food safety training course, or designate an existing supervisory employee to complete that course. This course fulfills the PDA requirements for the food employee certification regulation.

The National Restaurant Association will certify participants who complete the ServSafe® course and pass the exam in food safety and sanitation. Persons who pass the ServSafe® exam may also apply for the PDA certificate required by the Food Employee Certification Act. If you are uncertain as to whether you need certification, contact your regional PDA office.

ServSafe® is a registered trademark of the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association.

Course Formats and Fees

16-Hour Classroom Format - $190.00
This format meets for 16 classroom hours and is recommended for individuals with little or no prior food safety training.

8-Hour, 10-hour, and 12-hour Classroom/Self-Study Format - $175.00
These formats require the student to complete a minimum of 7 hours of at-home study after attending the classroom training. These are recommended for individuals who have a strong food safety background and are motivated to complete the self-study component.

Recertification Options

Recertification in food safety and sanitation is required every five years after the initial certification. Requirements must be met before the expiration date of the certificate.

The ServSafe course may be taken for recertification for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Food Employee Recertification. Participants who are recertifying must provide proof of the unexpired PDA Food Employee Certification certificate prior to the first day of class. Please send a copy with your registration. If you meet this requirement, the exam is optional.

For additional information, refer to the PDA website on recertification at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=127011

Payment Options

The course fee covers the cost of the ServSafe® course book, other instructional materials, and the exam. The fee may be paid by check, money order, employer-authorized billing,* MasterCard, or VISA.

*Employer-authorized billing: The Bursar will bill an employer in response to a letter written on organizational letterhead and stating the student’s name, Social Security number, and billable fees. This letter must be included with your completed registration form.

Instructors

Penn State Cooperative Extension educators and other faculty are qualified by the National Restaurant Association as ServSafe® instructors. All have received training in the most current research on food safety.

University Policies

Access: Penn State encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, call or e-mail the contact person for the location where you plan to take the course.
Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.
Refunds: A full refund will be made only if notice of cancellation is received two business days prior to the course. Anyone who is registered but cannot attend may send a substitute. To cancel your registration, mail or fax a written notice to the contact person for the location where you plan to take the course.

Continuing Education Units

Upon successful completion of the course, each participant will receive a certif?icate verifying the 1.6Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned. The CEU is a nationally recognized unit of measure used to accumulate a standardized permanent record of an individual’s participation in noncredit continuing education programs conducted under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. The CEU is based on a standard of one unit per ten hours of instructional contact.

Act 48–Pennsylvania Department of Education

Penn State is a Pennsylvania Act 48–approved provider. Professional educators are encouraged to confirm that this program fits their school district’s professional development plan for Pennsylvania Act 48. Earn sixteen contact hours and work toward fulfilling Pennsylvania Act 48 requirements.