WAUSEON — The Ohio State University Extension Office in Fulton County is offering a vital Food Safety Manager training course on April 8 and 9. This training gives food service workers the skills they need to comply with Ohio Department of Health standards.
The 16-hour course takes place at the Robert Fulton Agriculture Center in Wauseon and uses the trusted ServSafe program. Participants will learn critical food safety practices that help prevent foodborne illnesses.
This training welcomes anyone in the food industry or those hoping to join. In Ohio, food service establishments must train their staff in effective food safety practices as outlined in rule 3701-21-25 of the Administrative Code.
The two key certifications available are the Food Safety Manager and the Person in Charge levels. Upon finishing the course and passing the exam, participants receive the Food Safety Manager Level 2 Certificate from the National Restaurant Association. They also gain the Ohio Manager Certification in food protection.
To pass the exam, attendance at both training days is essential. The course fee includes a textbook, training materials, and the exam cost. Additionally, the Extension office will provide light snacks and lunch on the second day. Each class can accommodate up to 15 participants, and full payment is required for registration.
This course is designed to equip food service staff with the knowledge to identify and overcome key food safety challenges, using techniques aligned with the latest Food and Drug Administration food code.
For those who can’t attend in April, there are other training dates scheduled for June 17-18, October 14-15, and December 2-3, all running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To register, visit go.osu.edu/2026FCServSafe2 or check out more information at fulton.osu.edu. If you have questions, call the Ohio State University Extension Office of Fulton County at 419-337-9210.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million people in the US get sick from foodborne illnesses each year. Courses like these are crucial in reducing those numbers by ensuring food safety practices are understood and implemented effectively.
With rising awareness of food safety due to recent health scares, it’s clear that proper training is more important than ever. Participating in these programs doesn’t just fulfill legal requirements; it also fosters a culture of safety that benefits everyone involved.
