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Summary

More than 250 foodborne diseases present a significant public health challenge both in home and commercial food preparation. During 2020 the Gilmer UGA Extension FACS Agent held food safety programs including ServSafe certification trainings and food preservation to combat this issue in the community.

Situation

More than 250 foodborne diseases present a significant public health challenge. In the U.S., per year, foodborne disease results in an estimated 48 million persons with gastrointestinal foodborne illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths (2010). Estimates for Georgia are 2.5 million cases per year at a cost of $4.7 billion (2010). Transfer of viral and bacterial infections through foodservice operations is of high concern. FDA's periodic retail food safety risk factor studies document the need for improved food safety practices by workers; compliance with personal hygiene controls, temperature control and practices to prevent contamination and cross-contamination should be higher in most foodservice settings (FDA 2014). The American public continues to eat away from home in large numbers. In Georgia, there are more than 18,500 food service establishments (2016) having sales of $19.6 billion and employing more 476,500 people (NRA, 2018). Gilmer County, Georgia has 101 inspected food service establishments (2018). In Georgia, 65% of children under the age of six are in the care of someone other than their parents while the parents work (2014). Gilmer County currently has 46 Child Care Learning Centers. The staff in these facilities could benefit from food safety training. Georgia DCH regulates 2,024 personal care homes 4 of which are in Gilmer County, 815 Community Living Arrangements, and 368 nursing home facilities (2016); the staff in these need food safety education. Both the Ga. Depts. of Health and Agriculture require food safety-certified managers for foodservice and retail food stores.

Response

In response to this issue, the Gilmer County UGA Extension Family and Consumer Sciences programming has focused on food safety promotion through teaching the ServSafe® Food Protection Manager training in collaboration with neighboring counties. Since 2017, seven ServSafe® Food Protection Manager trainings have been held in Habersham, Hall, and Rabun counties. This programming has also submitted and published newspaper articles on food safety to prevent foodborne illness in the Times-Courier of Ellijay, Georgia. Newspaper articles focused on preventing foodborne illness through proper food safety practices, both commercially and in the home. Articles also helped serve as promotional pieces for upcoming ServSafe® classes held in the area.

Impact

61 individuals have attended 7 ServSafe training classes. Participants attending classes in Habersham, Hall, and Rabun counties included businesses and residents from surrounding communities. Among the participants were school foodservice workers, restaurant owners, and other local food vendor operations who are required to have food safety training for either their employment or to operate their business. Through these trainings 54 individuals received the national food safety manager certification after their successful completion of the course and examination. The diverse group of food service professionals in both commercial and institutional settings can help promote proper food safety practices to greatly impact local business and schools. Since 2017, a total of 32 newspaper articles have been written and published for the Times-Courier in Ellijay, promoting food safety in food service organizations and upcoming certification classes offered in the region. Articles also promoted home food safety and safe preservation methods to help Gilmer County residents prevent foodborne illness and extend the shelf-life of their foods. Future programing for Gilmer County will continue to include food safety related articles and will offer ServSafe® food safety programs in the area.

State Issue

Food Safety & Quality

Details

  • Year: 2020
  • Geographic Scope: County
  • County: Gilmer
  • Location: College Station, Athens
  • Program Areas:
    • Family and Consumer Sciences

Author

  • Moore, Jessica Elizabeth
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