Extension offers food safety training

Colorado State University Extension in Chaffee County will offer a class on Food Safety Training for Colorado Cottage Food Producers from 5:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. Jan. 16 at Chaffee County Fairgrounds, 10165 CR 120, Poncha Springs.

Home-based entrepreneurs who want to participate in farmers markets or similar sales are legally required to take such training, according to a press release.

Extension Agent Christy Fitzpatrick will lead the class and explain which foods are now permissible under the Cottage Foods Act, product labeling and production requirements and food safety for the home business.

After taking and passing a short quiz, participants receive a certificate of completion, good for three years.

This training is also recommended for those who oversee food safety of cottage foods, such as Health Department staff and farmers market managers, Fitzpatrick said in the release.

She said cottage foods law changes frequently, and this class will provide the most up-to-date information. Anyone who took this class in 2014 or early 2015 is required to take a recertification class, either by attending the Jan. 16 class or a recertification class in early February.

Preregistration is required by calling the Chaffee County Extension Office no later than Jan. 15.

The registration fee of $25 (cash or check made out to Extension Activity Fund) covers program materials, the class certificate and light snacks.

At least four participants must be preregistered to hold the class.

For more information, contact Chaffee County Extension at 539-6447 or email Christy.Fitzpatrick@colostate.edu.

If accommodations for disability or language are needed, notify the extension office at 539-6447 at least five business days prior to the class.