LIBERTY, February 23, 2016 - Senate Bill (SB) 582 of the 84th legislature (2015) amends the Health and Safety Code to establish that a food service worker trained in a food handler training course accredited by the American National Standards Institute is considered to have met a local health jurisdiction's training, testing, and permitting or registration fee requirements and has reciprocity throughout the State of Texas. The bill also authorizes a local health jurisdiction to require a food establishment to maintain on the premises of the food establishment a certificate of completion of the training course for employees of the food establishment. Education of the food handlers provides more qualified employees, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks caused by improper food preparation and handling techniques. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Food Handler Program is dedicated to the health and safety of the citizens of the state, educating food service employees in the principles of food safety to produce safe food products for Texas consumers.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's Food Handler's Certification Course is recognized as an accredited program through Texas Department of State Health Services. Instructor and Liberty County Agent, Alexis Cordova, will be offering the 2-hour food handler certification course on the following dates: April 21, 2016; July 6, 2016. The cost of the course is $20 which covers the cost of the certification identification card and materials. Registration for each class date will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the class will begin at 3:00 and end by 5:00 p.m. For course related questions or to reserve your spot, please call the Extension Office at (936) 334-3230 to reserve your spot for the course.