News Release

October 31, 2012

Contact:
Mary Geiger
Communications Director
Kansas Department of Agriculture
(785) 296-2653 phone
Mary.Geiger@kda.ks.gov

Food Safety Handling Class Offered in Abilene

TOPEKA - The Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce will host a food safety handling class on November 13 in Abilene.

The class is open to all, from the home cook or someone who volunteers to prepare food for church events to employees of full-service restaurants and other food service establishments. Attendees will learn about cooking and cooling foods, hand washing and hygiene.

KDA will offer the 90-minute courses at 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Commission Room at the Abilene Public Library (209 NW 4th).

The program is free of charge. However, reservations are required to ensure adequate room is reserved for the group.  Interested parties should contact the Abilene Area Chamber of Commerce at 785-263-1770 or at chamber@abileneks.net.

Foodborne illness affects millions of Americans and claims the lives of thousands each year. These classes are designed to teach Kansans how to properly store and prepare food in order to reduce food safety risks.

 The Kansas Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Lodging program promotes public safety by regulating lodging facilities and the production, distribution and storage of food products in Kansas. The program inspects grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, schools, senior meal sites, mobile food units, food wholesalers and warehouses, food processors, food manufacturers and lodging facilities.

For more information about the Kansas Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Lodging program visit www.ksda.gov/food_safety/.

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