West Des Moines – February 12, 2018 – Today the Iowa Restaurant Association announced that in 2017 more than 6,000 foodservice professionals earned their food safety management certification. The Association also reported that more than 17,000 have received the credential in the past three years. The credential is earned by taking a class and passing a national exam on topics ranging from contamination prevention, appropriate hold and cook times and temperatures, and sanitation imperatives. “State Law requires every foodservice establishment to have one person who is a certified food protection manager,” said Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “The fact that triple that number of foodservice professionals have earned this designation shows that Iowans can be confident about the quality and safety of their meals in restaurants of all types across the state.” To receive the credential, foodservice professionals take ServSafe™ – a one-day, nationally developed class based on the current food code and best practices. Training classes are offered in English and Spanish at the Iowa Restaurant Association office and across the state via Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Classes are $150 and can be found online at www.restaurantiowa.com.

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Iowa Restaurant Association The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com

Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454