On January 1, Iowa instituted a new food code which includes a requirement that every food service establishment have a certified food protection manager on staff. This certification is earned by taking an approved food safety and sanitation course and passing a national standards exam. Since the adoption of the new standard, more than 1,500 people across the state have earned the designation – a 30% increase over the number of people who had taken the exam in first quarter last year. “Prior to the new requirement, many of Iowa’s 6,000+ restaurants and bars had already determined that having a certified food safety professional is good for business,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “This new standard ups the ante for all food service establishments and will ultimately enhance the experience for all customers.” ServSafe Food Safety certification classes are offered bi-monthly through the Iowa Restaurant Association and ISU extension offices across the state. The certification is good for five years.

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association is an advocacy organization supporting Iowa’s restaurant and bar industry with educational and promotional programs across the state. www.restaurantiowa.com Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com