FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR COTTAGE FOOD PROCESSORS

This proposal's overarching goal is to develop food safety training for this industry, which can be adopted by educators in other states, to improve food safety education and implementation in this sector. We will conduct a thorough assessment of the gaps that exist in the cottage food systems and use this assessment to identify core needs for enhancing food safety in this industry. We will design specific GMPs, simplified cleaning and sanitation practices, simplified hygienic zoning, allergen ingredients and best practices for allergen management, prevention of allergen cross-contact, and food safety training for controlling unique and potential hazards for foods processed within the cottage foods sectors. We will deliver in-person and online training for cottage food processors and those wishing to enter the cottage food processing sector. By providing food safety training to the cottage food processing business, we can improve the safety of foods produced, protect public health, and protect cottage food operators from the financial burden of a food recall.