Food safety seminar scheduled
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WAYNESBSURG – Nonprofit, volunteer-run groups that prepare food to be served or sold to the public must be sure that the food is safe and of high quality. Food that is not prepared safely may lead to a foodborne illness outbreak that can cause serious illness or even death for some individuals.
In addition to personal suffering, foodborne illness can lead to expensive medical bills, lawsuits and loss of good reputation and business.
To help organizations provide safe food, Penn State Extension is offering a workshop, “Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer’s Guide to Safe Food Handling,” from 6 to 9 p.m. March 7 at the Greene County Extension Office, 26 West High Street, Waynesburg.
Participants will learn up-to-date methods for safely handling and preparing food for large groups. The workshop is appropriate for nonprofit food providers such as churches, fire companies, schools and civic groups.
The workshop will be presented using a variety of lecture, discussion and activities on food safety topics. Topics include how food becomes unsafe, preparation practices to keep food safe and purchasing and storage of food and supplies. Participants will learn recommended methods for taking food temperatures and how to calibrate a thermometer for accuracy. Other topics to be discussed will include holding hot and cold foods, safe thawing and reheating practices, handling leftovers, personal hygiene practices and how-to’s of cleaning and sanitizing.
The cost of the workshop is $35 per organization for up to five participants and an additional $5 for each additional participant from the same group. Organizations will receive a food safety manual, posters and thermometers. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Those interested in attending are asked to register before March 4 by calling Penn State Extension in Greene County at 724-627-3745. Otherwise, access extension.psu.edu/greene and click on the upcoming events section.
Dori Campbell from Penn State Extension will be the instructor for the workshop.