The law requires that most retail food facilities in Pennsylvania have one certified food employee who is accredited by a nationally recognized program.

The certified food employee must be the person in charge when at the facility and accessible at all times (in person or by phone) during the facility's hours of operation.

The Erie County Department of Health offers a course to prepare food handlers to take the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals exam, which is a nationally recognized program that meets the State's requirements.

Call 814-451-6740 to obtain a course brochure and for course availability.

Course dates for 2013:

• February 12 and 19, 2013
• March 18 and 25, 2013
• April 22 and 29, 2013
• May 13 and 20, 2013
• June 3 and 10, 2013
• July 22 and 29, 2013
• August 19 and 26, 2013
• September 23 and 30, 2013
• October 21 and 28, 2013
• November 18 and 25, 2013

Cost:

• $145.00 Course and exam
• $50.00 Exam only