Food Safety Course for Food Processors

Idaho food processors have been invited to a three-day comprehensive workshop on Practical Food Safety and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) being held Aug. 18-20 in Boise and a one-day Introduction to Food Safety and HACCP Aug. 25 in Twin Falls. HACCP is a preventive system for controlling health-threatening biological, chemical and physical food hazards during food processing.

 Both classes will be taught by Jeff Kronenberg, University of Idaho Extension food processing specialist. Kronenberg has more than 25 years of experience developing food safety, quality, sanitation and HACCP programs for food processing firms. He has words of comfort…but also words of caution: “The U.S. has one of the safest food supplies in the world but there’s always opportunities for improvement and right now it’s a hot topic with a lot of food borne illnesses that have taken place and overhaul of a lot of rules and regulations that are taking place in the Capital.”

 The program is designed for small-scale processors, line workers, quality control personnel, supervisors, environmental health specialists, dairy processors and others. Information on schedules, cost and contacts can be found on aginfo.net.

 Cost is $560 per person, or $475 if group discounts apply, and includes a manual, lunches, refreshments and certificates. The workshop begins at 8 a.m. Aug. 18 and concludes at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 and will be held at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, 424 E. ParkCenter Blvd., in Boise. Participants will spend half the day on food safety prerequisite programs and the second half on the preliminary tasks, key principles and implementation of HACCP plans. Interactive team exercises will enhance the learning experience. This workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Canyon Crest Dining and Event Center, 330 Canyon Crest Drive, in Twin Falls. Cost is $175, or $150 with group discounts, and includes a manual, refreshments, lunch and a certificate of participation. To register, call (208) 364-6188