Food Safety
In 2024, AgriLife Extension’s food safety education programs reached more than 8,000 Texans through online and face-to-face methods. Programs provide comprehensive training to food service managers and other employees, with a collective annual wage base of $213 million.
Food Safety Education Program
Led by AgriLife Extension, the Food Safety Education Program aims to reduce foodborne illnesses by providing mandatory training for food service workers and educational resources for consumers, hunters, cottage food producers and farmers market participants. The program includes a Certified Food Managers course and a Food Handlers course, which is accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services. These courses cover essential safety principles related to food preparation, storage, personal hygiene, facility maintenance and pest management.
The program also offers online and in-person education, with more than 8,000 participants in FY 2024, including 5,140 online and 2,892 face-to-face attendees. The program’s impact is reflected in the high average test scores. Face-to-face participants had an average score increase of 15% and online participants had an average score increase of 11%.
We’re grateful to have the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service right here in our community, providing quality, hands-on education that makes a real difference. With programs that support food safety, AgriLife equips residents and food preparers with practical tools they can use every day. Whether it’s learning how to properly wash their hands, work with health inspectors, or how to avoid cross contamination, their resources are always accessible and relevant … we’re fortunate to benefit from their commitment to our community.”
