ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Penn State Extension will offer a workshop for those interested in starting a food business or those wanting to grow their food business. Participants will learn the science of processing safe food and how that science is applied in food processing operations.
“Food Processing Basics for the Small Business” workshop is being held on October 8 at the Penn State Extension Lehigh County Office, 4184 Dorney Park Rd., Allentown. It is split into morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session runs 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and the afternoon session runs 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The morning session covers the hazards associated with food and the basic mechanisms for controlling those hazards. Participants will learn about the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) concept, government standards of identity and for fill, determining label and nutritional requirements, and developing shelf-life and product coding information.
The afternoon session covers acidified foods and high acid foods, the specific processing parameters, and how hazards specific to these types of foods are controlled. This session also covers the regulatory requirements associated with acidified foods and the records that must be maintained.
Participants will have the option to register for the morning session, afternoon session, or the full day program.
“Food Processing Basics for the Small Business” is presented by Penn State Extension Food Safety and Quality instructors who have the background and experience in food processing operations. Participants are presented with a certificate of attendance which can be used as documentation of training for regulatory or third-party audit requirements.
Cost of the course is $100 for a morning or an afternoon session. Cost for both sessions is $150 and includes a lunch. For details and registration, visit extension.psu.edu/food-processing-basics-for-the-small-business or call 877-345-0691.
About Penn State Extension
Penn State Extension is a modern educational organization, dedicated to translating scientific research into real-world applications to drive progress. In support of Penn State’s land-grant mission, extension programs promote a vibrant food and fiber system, a clean environment and a healthier population for Pennsylvania and beyond.
Penn State Extension serves individuals, businesses and communities, helping them address problems and realize opportunities through a robust portfolio of educational programs, products and services. With support from federal, state and county governments, the organization has a tradition of bringing unbiased information and support to the citizens of Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.
–Penn State Extension