ProStart Program
In conjunction with the
ORA Education Foundation and the NRA Educational Foundation, the ORA helps take the
ProStart curriculum into high schools where juniors and seniors learn food service fundamentals through classroom training and mentored worksites while preparing for a career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The program helps build a well-trained workforce for Ohio's food service establishments.
Click Here for ProStart.
ServeSafe Programs
As of March 1, 2010 all new food operators must have at least one person per shift that is certified in food protection. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health offers food safety education classes such as ServSafe Certification and Person in Charge.
ServSafe Certification Course
The ServSafe Certification 16 hour course was designed by the National Restaurant Association for the food career professional and is approved by the Ohio Department of Health. This course includes a textbook and test. The class work and test proctoring are provided by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health Certified ServSafe teachers who are also registered sanitarians. Those who pass the test become certified in the State of Ohio in food protection. The class is provided at the Board of Health office in Parma and is either scheduled for four-hour sessions once a week for four weeks or two eight hour days with the test given on the last day.
The textbook and test are included with the application fee of $175.00/person.
Classes can be scheduled off site if the applicant can provide a class of 25 students and location. If you do not have the time to spend on formal classes, the ServSafe program is now offered online through the NRAEF. The test must be taken at a proctored site.
To schedule a ServSafe class, please call the Food Protection Program @ 216 201-2020.
Person in Charge Food Safety Class
The State of Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code requires that any food operation open for business must have a Person in Charge (PIC) present during business hours. This means that the PIC must demonstrate knowledge of safe food handling practices and prevention of foodborne illnesses.
Operators who are currently certified in food protection should be able to meet these criteria. This class is designed to provide the basic knowledge required for those who are not already certified.
The PIC class takes approximately three hours and includes a lecture, a comprehensive review, and a 25 question quiz. Upon completion, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to display in their business. The PIC classes are held at several locations for your convenience.
For additional information, call the Food Protection unit @ 216 201-2020 and press #2.
The
Be Food Safe Program is a two pronged effort dedicated to increasing the public's understanding and knowledge related to food safety. It is responsible for identifying, promoting and providing recognition to food establishments within the jurisdiction of the Cuyahoga County Board of Health that demonstrate infallible practices and to educate consumers about preventing foodborne illness through four simple practices: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill. The Be Food Safe award is provided to facilities to display at their facility as well as posted on the Board of Health website.
