County Offers Classes for Food Handlers

The Comal County Extension Office is offering food-handlers classes for state certification this month in the Bulverde area.

All food-service employees are required by state law to complete an accredited food handler training program – as are all people preparing food in their homes for resale. Classes for both groups of food handlers are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Mammen Family Public Library, 131 Bulverde Crossing.

The class for food-service employees runs from 2 to 4 p.m. and provides a certificate valid for the next two years. It will provide a basic overview of food-safety practices, including personal hygiene, cross contamination, and appropriate time and temperature for food service.

The class for cottage food handlers is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and provides a state-approved food handler’s card. Along with the topics covered in the food-service course, it covers types of food allowed to be sold from home, the proper labeling and packaging of food and safe food-handling practices.

The cost of both classes is $20 per student.

“We’re excited to bring these important classes to the Bulverde area,” said Connie Sheppard, extension agent for family and community health. “Western Comal County is growing quickly, and this will be a convenient way for food-service employees and cottage food business owners in that area to follow state law.”

Extension agents are also available to teach on-site classes to employees. For more information and to reserve a space for the Oct. 29 classes, call 830-620-3440.