The Penn State Extension service is offering a webinar next week for volunteers who help prepare and serve food for nonprofit organizations. The session is open to people outside the state.

The webinar is set for 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, March 22.

The webinar is titled, “Cooking for Crowds: A Volunteer’s Guide to Safe Food Handling.” It is designed for non-profit organizations and their volunteers to help them understand the risks involved with preparing large volumes of food and the important food safety practices that need to be implemented to ensure a safe event.

Even if an organization has been preparing or serving food for years, it is important that volunteers are up to date and knowledgeable about rules and regulations governing food safety, according to Penn State Extension food safety specialists.

Webinar participants will learn the causes of foodborne illness as well as safe food handling practices.

Topics are planned to include:

  • Good personal hygiene for all volunteers involved in food preparation.
  • Time and temperature controls that are needed to keep food out of the temperature danger zone.
  • Ways to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Cleaning and sanitizing within the operation.
  • Planning a successful food event.

The cost to attend the webinar is $5. To register, visit the Extension service website.

This webinar was developed in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Participants can receive a certificate of completion after attending the program.

 About Penn State Extension
Penn State Extension is an educational organization, dedicated to translating scientific research into real-world applications to drive progress. In support of Penn State’s land-grant mission, extension programs promote a vibrant food and fiber system, a clean environment, and a healthier population for Pennsylvania and beyond.

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