The purpose of the ServSafe program is to educate managers and employees on the importance of providing safe food and clean facilities to the public. The course covers a variety of topics including proper food handling, good personal hygiene, illnesses associated with food, effective cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, and HACCP plans. Upon successful completion of the ServSafe program and exam, the participant will receive a certificate which is valid for 5 years in North Carolina.
As of January 1, 2014 regulated food service facilities are required to have a person in charge certified by an ANSI-approved food safety course available at all hours of operation. Failure to meet this requirement will result in 2 points being automatically deducted from the final inspection score.
In the Appalachian District, ServSafe if offered jointly in each county by the local health department and the NC Cooperative Extension. Below is a list of upcoming courses in 2015.
- Alleghany County: To be determined
- Alleghany County ServSafe Registration Form (not available)
- Ashe County: May 2nd – 4th, 2016 at NC Cooperative Extension- Ashe County
- Watauga County: Safe Plates Class
- Call (828) 264-4995 for more information.
Information will be mailed to permitted facilities prior to each class. Seating is limited, so prompt registration is encouraged. For further information on upcoming classes, please contact Carolyn Shepherd with the NC Cooperative Extension-Ashe County at (336) 846-5850 or the local health department in your county.
For more information on the ServSafe program, please click here.