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Training Methods for Food Safety

Food is a basic need in life, yet it can also make us sick. Food contamination leaves those who consume the product susceptible to illness ranging from a mild stomachache to a food-borne illness that can be fatal. Food safety is important for everyone to learn, and several methods of training are available for food service professionals as well as ordinary folks. Children can also benefit from food safety training. Food safety can be ensured with some basic risk management skills.

  1. ServSafeTraining

    • Chefs learn about food safety as a part of their culinary arts education.

      ServSafe is a leader in food safety training. Many larger food service organizations have ServSafe authorized instructors in house to certify their staff. Anyone can become ServSafe certified by taking online courses and a proctored exam. The courses are state-specific to ensure compliance with local food-handling regulations. ServSafe's fees are often covered by the employer. A certificate is issued upon course completion. ServeSafe certification is valid for five years. All necessary information to get started is available at the ServSafe website.

    HACCP Training

    • HACCP stands for hazard analysis at critical control points. HACCP is a system put in place to control food safety all along the "farm to table continuum" by monitoring critical control points, or points in this continuum where food safety could be compromised. This training is an in-depth and thorough look at food safety along the entire supply line. HACCP training is offered by many colleges and area cooperative extensions, as well as online. Completion of training provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of food safety, as well as 10.5 units of continuing education credit with the American Culinary Federation for trained chefs.

    Food Safety Training for the Home

    • Food safety is important in the home as well as in the restaurant.

      Food safety in the home is also important. There are several ways to learn safe food handling practices at home. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides food safety education for consumers on its website in the form of educational campaigns, downloadable fact sheets, podcasts, and a meat and poultry safety hotline. The Food Safety and Inspection Service even has a live chat available called "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative. A mobile app can also be downloaded to inform of food recalls.

    Food Safety For Children and Teens

    • Kids need to know about food safety too.

      The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service also offers many age-appropriate food safety teaching tools for children and teens. Puzzles, word searches, coloring and activity pages, articles and quizzes are offered for free download at their website. Topics covered include food safety for after-school snacks, Halloween food safety, cleanliness and cross contamination. The website also includes information aimed at food safety for college students.

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