Faced with the threat of hepatitis A and salmonella, more people are paying attention to the way their food is being handled. While not everything is under our direct control, there are numerous ways to make sure the food you handle and serve is safe for the public.

In addition, as of July 1, 2004, all for-profit organizations that carry a license from the state Department of Agriculture to serve food are required to have a representative from their organization certified in food safety.

The National Restaurant Association's ServSafe course, which meets state certification requirements, will be conducted by the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Butler County. The initial certification course will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3, 4, and 6. The exam will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 12.

Registration fee is $165 and includes a book, exam and continental breakfast each day. The registration deadline is Sept. 19.

In addition, an eight-hour recertification course for those who currently hold a Pennsylvania Food Safety Certificate that will expire at the end of 2005 or during 2006 will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6.

The cost for the recertification course is $115 and includes a book and continental breakfast. Registration is due Nov. 23. Both courses will be conducted at the office.

For more information, call 724-774-3003. You may download a registration brochure from the Beaver County Cooperative Extension Web site at www.beaver.extension.psu.edu/Nutrition/FoodSafetyPrograms.html.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at Sunnyview Home.