Shannon M. Coleman
Food Science and Human Nutrition
515-294-9011
scoleman@iastate.edu
After the farmers market season ends, many home-based food operators in Iowa are still able to prepare and sell foods from their home if they follow state regulations and food safety practices. To help them, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has created the Home-based Food Operators: Regulations and Food Safety Course, which is available online 24/7 using Moodle.
The course is intended for exempt home food operations and home bakers who make and sell foods out of their homes or sell produce at farmers markets. The course modules cover Iowa food policies and regulations, food safety basics, foodborne pathogens, and safe production and preparation practices, said Shannon Coleman, assistant professor in food science and human nutrition and a human sciences extension specialist at Iowa State.
“Iowa has unique laws that do allow for some foods to be sold out of the home or at a farmers market,” said Coleman. “These modules have been tailored specifically to Iowa’s laws and regulations and also include food safety information that can be used in production and at the point of sale.”
Interested food operators may register online at http://bit.ly/hbf15209.
The training cost is $35. Interested operators also may contact Coleman at scoleman@iastate.edu or 515-294-9011 to register or for more information.