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FOOD SERVICE SAFETY CERTIFICATION RESOURCES 

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, county health departments and local health departments complete food safety inspections across the Commonwealth. The requirement for food safety certification is dictated by the agency (Department of Agriculture or the local department of health) that conducts the licensing and inspection for the food site. It is up to the AAA, in consultation with the licensing and inspection agency’s sanitarian, to define the required food safety certification for the workers at the food site.

ServeSafe® Classes 

ServSafe® classes are available in multiple locations year round.  These classes provide a certification certificate valid for five years. Contact ServSafe® or the Penn State Extension Office.

ServeSafe® Food Handler Online Course and Assessment is a comprehensive program that delivers consistent food safety training. This course can be completed with a group or online for a lower cost. This course and certificate may be adequate for the licensing and inspection agency in your area. 

Please note that the PDA no longer provides the ServSafe® books and tests.

Food Safety On The Go a program developed through The University of Maryland, is aimed at teaching basic sanitation information to Meals on Wheels volunteers.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers two programs:

  • Nonprofit Certification Course, a program for food safety and sanitation training for nonprofit food handlers 
  • Cooking for Groups:  A Volunteers Guide to Food Safety

    These are presented by a Department of Agriculture sanitarian, and can be scheduled through your local Department of Agriculture office or through the Harrisburg office, (717) 787-4737.