ServSafe® Certification Helps Food Establishments Serve Safe Food

Published: 2019
By Ardis Oelkers

The Department of Public Health and Human Services updated the Montana Food Code that requires all retail food establishments to have a food safety manager. Also, required is a person-in-charge that can demonstrate adequate food safety knowledge during all hours of operation. ServSafe® is a nationally- accredited food safety certification program and is one of the courses identified in the food code that will fulfill the requirement to have a trained food protection manager on staff. During this past year, Extension Agent Ardis Oelkers teamed up with Registered Nurse Robin Warren, from Northeast Montana Health Services to team-teach the eight-hour manager course and the four-hour food handler training class in Roosevelt County. Oelkers and Warren worked closely with Roosevelt County Sanitarian, Michael Rinaldie, to develop a plan to ensure all local and area establishments were aware of the educational opportunities. Over 30 participants were trained in food safety representing restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, coffee shops and other establishments serving food. The average passing test score of those taking the eight-hour certification class was 86%. Participants were asked “What is the most important thing that you gained from attending the training?” Comments include: • ServSafe® Certification • All information from class will keep businesses from having a foodborne illness • Learning about time and temperature abuse • Refreshed everything that I have known as I have worked in the kitchen for 22 years • Learning proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures • This is an excellent course, I highly recommend it The manner in which people handle and prepare food is a major reason why foodborne illness occurs. People must alter their food-handling behavior, but they must first have the knowledge and skills that are known to protect food from contamination with harmful microorganisms before they have the capacity to change their behavior. ServSafe® education provides the knowledge and skills needed to reduce incidence of foodborne illness and reduce the impact on health care costs.