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 2012:

• February 6 and 13, 2012
• March 19 and 26, 2012
• April 23 and 30, 2012
• May 14 and 21, 2012
• June 18 and 25, 2012
• July 23 and 30, 2012
• August 20 and 27, 2012
• September 17 and 24, 2012
• October 22 and 29, 2012
• November 13 and 20, 2012

Cost:

• $145.00 Course and exam
• $50.00 Exam only