It is a treat to eat out at a favorite restaurant or community event. Consumers expect the food to be safe. It is up to the food handlers to provide the safest meal possible.

The Ellis County Extension Office will host a Food Safety Short Course on Thursday, September 10, 1:30 to 4:00 pm at the Extension Office meeting room, 601 Main Street in Hays. (Enter the rear door from the north parking lot.) Linda Beech, Ellis County Extension FCS Agent, will be the course instructor.

The training covers basic food safety, personal hygiene, food allergens, preventing cross-contamination, time and temperature controls, and cleaning and sanitation. This course would be appropriate for food service employees, dietary staff at nursing homes, hospitals and schools, and volunteer groups who serve concession stands, community meals or fund-raisers.

The cost for the course is $7 per person and includes the Servsafe Food Handlers booklet, training materials and refreshments.

Advance registration is required to allow for ordering books and materials. Contact the Ellis County Extension Office no later than September 4 to register and pay fees. A minimum attendance is required by the deadline to hold this class or it will be cancelled.

For questions or a registration brochure, contact the Ellis County Extension Office, (785) 628-9430.