Food borne illness is a very serious problem, as there were more than five million cases just of food borne norovirus in the US in 2011. Almost fifteen thousand of them required hospitalization, and none of these numbers include salmonella, E. Coli, and other bacteria that can be found in food. While most E. Coli strains are harmless, there are a number of strains that can cause serious health problems in humans. Such bacteria in perishable food grows at a slower rate when it is refrigerated, but they only go dormant once the food is frozen. Bacteria can be killed at temperatures above 145 degrees Fahrenheit. These facts are of great import to certain demographics, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone whose immune system has been compromised. If you are serving one or more of these populations, it is imperative that you take part in a food safety course.

Food safety courses focus on handling food and sanitation in a kitchen setting. At the end of food handling courses, you will receive a food safety certification. It is advisable that you display this in your restaurant or franchise, so that your customers are aware that you and your employees have been educated through an accredited food safety course. A single case of food poisoning or rotten food can bring a restaurant to its knees or even close it down, and restaurant food safety regulations require that at least one employee with a food safety certification be on staff at all times.

The food safety courses that this company offers can be completed online. Because they can be completed online, this company also provides a number of resources for its clients on its online dashboard, including a tracking program to see the progress of employees, PR kits and tools to use, printable certificates, and an accounting of expenses for the training. They also provide a library of resources and a management tool for training procedures that your restaurant can take advantage of. Helpful links.