Food safety workshop for small food producers, seafood processors is Jan. 26

Food entrepreneurs, seafood processors and others interested in preventing food recalls are encouraged to attend a Jan. 26 workshop sponsored by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other agencies.

“Preventing a Recall – Protecting Your Food Business” will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City.

The workshop is designed for small food entrepreneurs and producers who sell directly to the public, seafood processors and retailers, meat handlers producing and selling meat products, individuals interested in developing food recall plans to protect their businesses, and those who want to expand market outreach and are required to obtain liability insurance to enter new markets.

Topics to be covered include the economics of food recalls, lessons learned from the peanut products recall, and procedures for issuing a recall.

Following lunch, there will be a tabletop exercise where instructors will walk participants through the scenario of a Class I food recall.

The workshop is limited to 30 participants and the deadline to register is Jan. 19. Cost is $30 and includes breakfast and lunch. Checks should be made to N.C. Ag Promotions Inc. For more information, contact Annette Dunlap, agribusiness developer, at (919) 733-7887 or go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/agbizmarketing.htm.

The workshop is sponsored by NCDA&CS, N.C. Sea Grant, N.C. Cooperative Extension and CMAST.