One-Hour Food Safety Training Classes
Please call to register for these free classes. If you are certified, bring your number.
These one-hour talks may be used for certificate renewal if:
1.) You attend all seven topics within the valid five-year period of your certificate;
2.) You attend all seven topics & notify us before the 7th or last one and
3.) You have proof of attendance at all seven topics.
Note: To receive credit for attending these training sessions, you must be on
time. If you are late, you are welcome to stay, but you will not be given credit if you are not in attendance for the entire session.
What are they about? Check out training to find out more about the classes!
Renewal Tests
One way of achieving renewal credit for certificate holders is to take the renewal test. Managers must
pass the test on the first attempt. If you cannot find a renewal class in your area before you expire, you
may take the renewal test at the Coles County Health Department.
You must advise the Department of your
intention to take the test 30 days in advance. While test dates are set in advance, walk-ins for the exam
are not accepted. Please contact the Coles County Health Department if you would like to take the renewal
exam.
You may also send an
email with your intention to take the renewal exam.
Confirmation of your request will follow.
If no one has signed up 30 days prior to test date, the date will be cancelled without notice.
HAND SANITIZERS - The Illinois Department of
Public Health issued a technical release regarding hand sanitizers.
The following products can be used on washed hands without
the need to rinse the product off.
- Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer - clear, original formula (no
scents or aloe)
- Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer Food Code Compliant
- ACTIGEL Hand Sanitizer
- EcoCare 550S Hand Sanitizer
- Digisan Hand Sanitizer
- McD Hand Sanitizer
- Puritan Hand Sanitizer
- ALPHASAN Hand Sanitizer
All other hand sanitizers shall be washed off before engaging in
food preparation or handling. "Even with the use of one of the above
hand sanitizers after proper hand washing, food employees shall
avoid direct contact (i.e. using bare hands) with ready-to-eat food
whenever possible, and to the extent possible, shall handle
ready-to-eat food only with suitable utensils such as deli tissue,
spatulas, tongs, or single-use gloves."
Mandatory Sign Scams:
Many of our food service facilities have been contacted regarding
new regulations regarding hand wash signs. The Coles County
Sheriff's Office issued a
Press Release regarding this scam. The following is a
brief excerpt from the fraudulent letter:
ADVISORY TO ALL FOOD LICENSEES!
“Dear Food Service Establishment
State and Federal food codes
have recently been amended to include a new hand washing posting
requirement. Effective immediately all Food Service Establishments
will be required to post at all hand washing facilities a poster
reminding FOOD SERVICE EMPLOYEES to regularly wash their hands. This
requirement applies to all hand washing sinks and all public and
private lavatories. It also applies to all food preparers regardless
if they are a paid employee or not, including owners and operators.
Posters must also meet the exact specifications and procedures
presented in (the FDA Model Food Code) and should not be self-made…”
The letter goes on to state local inspectors will
be investigating compliance with the new code, and that food services
in violation may be subject to fines of up to $2500 and/or up to 1
year imprisonment. This letter gives just enough information to scare
operators into coughing up $20.00 per hand wash sign. You MAY purchase
these signs if you like. However, you have several other options:
1)
Contact your local health department to obtain the signs for
the low cost of … FREE!
2)
Contact Illinois Department of Public Health and obtain the
signs for… FREE!
3)
Create your own hand wash sign for…
FREE!
4)
Use the
IDPH link and download it for ...
FREE!
The
Coles County Health Department makes every effort to contact food
service operators regarding pending, upcoming, and new regulations
before they become enforceable. We take pride in communicating changes
so that everyone is aware not only of the regulations and
expectations, but also the reasoning behind the regulation. We will
continue to partner with our food service operators in promoting food
safety through education and communication.
Certification holders: Check your expiration date on your Food Service Sanitation Managers Certificate. You
must have continuing education prior to your expiration date or you will be required to take the 15 hour class
again. Check out
Certificate holder information for commonly asked questions.
