Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Winter 2002 - Vol 6, No. 2

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Food Safety Works

The above study showed a strong preference among food service managers for being able to hire workers with training in safe food handling procedures. This led to the development of Food Safety Works, a tri-state safe food handler training program developed with funding received through the USDA's National Food Safety and Quality Initiative for programs that promote food safety education to high-risk and hard-to-reach audiences. The program initially targeted Welfare-to-Work participants who were potential candidates for employment in the food service industry, with the intent of increasing the knowledge and skills of those seeking employment in food service, while benefiting those in the industry needing trained workers. During the pilot phase, at-risk adolescents and other adult audiences were added to the program.

In Colorado, eight pilot trainings were conducted between June and October 2000 with 119 at-risk youth and adults. Initial results showed a 17% increase in food safety knowledge from pre- to post-test. A six-month follow-up mailed survey indicated that 89% of participants believed the information provided was "useful" or "very useful" to them. The strong majority (87%) reported increased confidence in their ability to safely handle food, and indicated they had made "some" to "many" changes in their food handling behaviors. Ninety-three percent valued having a Safe Food Handler Certificate. Further, over half (53%) of respondents believed the training had improved their chances of being hired or advancing in food service.

To move the program beyond its pilot phase, a train-the-trainer workshop was offered in June 2001 to Extension personnel who work with at-risk youth and adults and health department professionals who conduct food safety trainings, so that collaborative partnerships could be established. As a result, the program is currently being offered through the Colorado Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program. It is also appropriate for use with high school classes, vocational-training programs, drug/alcohol rehab centers, youth correctional facilities, and employee training at food service establishments.

Contacts

Patricia Kendall, PhD, RD., Extension Specialist, Project Director. (970) 491-7334. Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D., Food Safety Project Assistant. (970) 491-7335. Dept of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University 80523-1571.

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Updated Monday, August 29, 2011