It may be time for restaurant owners to review the Illinois Department of Public Health Food Sanitation Code, as the University of Illinois Extension in Christian County is set to offer the Certified Food Protection Managers class and exam. This course is a mandatory requirement for food service establishments, ensuring they have a certified food protection manager on-site during operational hours.
Under section 750.540 of the Food Sanitation Code, these certificates need to be renewed every five years. To sit for the exam, attendance in the course is obligatory. The upcoming two-day course is scheduled for October 14 and 15, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The venue for the course and exam is the Christian County Extension located at 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.
It's important to note that participants are required to attend both days of the course. The certification exam will be conducted on the second day, and individuals must bring a valid photo ID to the examination.
Lisa Peterson, an Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator for U of I Extension, will be leading the course to offer the essential classroom instruction that prepares test takers for the National Certification Examination. The course curriculum will encompass crucial topics such as foodborne illnesses, safe food handling, cooking and storage, employee health and hygiene, facility safety and maintenance, and cleaning and sanitization.
To enroll in the course, there is a fee of $100, which includes the cost of the textbook, class materials, and the examination. Given the high demand, classes fill up rapidly. Interested participants are advised to register by October 9.
This is a crucial opportunity for those in the food service industry to ensure compliance with certification requirements or to renew existing certifications. The last class for 2023 will be held in December, so individuals with expiring certifications should register promptly.
The University of Illinois Extension emphasizes equal opportunities in its programs and employment. For participants requiring reasonable accommodations to engage in the programming, they are encouraged to contact 217-287-7246. Early requests are recommended to allow adequate time for meeting participant needs.
Registration is mandatory and can be completed online at go.illinois.edu/foodmanagers or by calling Christian County Extension at 217-287-7246. For any queries or concerns, the same contact number can be used.
