Food Safety Training

From home kitchens to commercial operations, Larimer County Extension offers courses to help you handle food safely, meet Colorado standards, and keep your community healthy.

Explore our classes to learn proper handling, meet state requirements, and protect your customers and community.

Food Safety Works

Learn the essentials of safe food handling for food service workers and volunteers. Gain hands-on experience and earn a two-year certificate to boost your food service career. 

Food Protection Manager Certification

Managers and owners of  Retail Food Establishments (RFEs) gain certification through an ANSI-accredited exam to meet the 2022 FDA Food Code and ensure compliance.

Cottage Food Safety Trainings

For home-based food producers selling under the Colorado Cottage Food Act. Gain the certification needed to safely make and sell non-hazardous foods directly to consumers.

Which retail food safety training is right for me?

For: Food service workers, volunteers, and anyone who prepares or serves food for the public.

Certification: Certificate of Completion valid for 2 years, accepted statewide in Colorado.

Best if you: Want the training and certification that helps you get hired in the retail food industry.

For: Managers, owners, or supervisory staff in a Retail Food Establishment (RFE) like restaurants, cafes, schools, or catering operations.

Certification: Nationally recognized credential meets state and local health department requirements.

Best if you: Need a certified food protection manager to ensure compliance with Colorado’s 2022 FDA Food Code.

For: Home-based producers who make and sell foods under the Colorado Cottage Food Act like baked goods, jams, spices.

Certification: Earn a Certificate of Completion valid for 3 years statewide in Colorado. Recommended for all cottage food producers in Colorado to be displayed when selling products

Best if you: Sell homemade food products directly to consumers (farmers markets, online, or from home).


Larimer County Colorado State University Extension

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ADDRESS     
1525 Blue Spruce Dr.     
Fort Collins, CO 80524-2004

Phone: (970) 498-6000

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HOURS  
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.    
Monday - Friday

 

Our office follows the Larimer County Holiday Calendar for office closures.