One of the first certifications you will need to obtain as a food processor -- yes when you prepare food for sale to the public you technically become a food processor -- is the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification. (FSSMC) This certificate requires 15 hours of classroom study before you are allowed to sit for the exam. Classes are usually taught by Community Colleges, private instructors or other institutions.

Why is certification required? Simple -- to protect the public. Knowledge of food safety and sanitation is important for everyone that handles and sells foods. You have the responsibility to prepare safe food and you need to be able to anticipate problems before they become violations. A base understanding of food safety and the regulations is taught in the certification class.

For information on the FSSMC, please see this website: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/077007500C05400R.html

Call your local health department for a list of course providers in your area.

Until next time,

Carol