Article Summary: The Macoupin County Extension office is accepting registrations for a two-day Certified Food Protection Manager Course scheduled for late January, which satisfies state requirements for food service supervision.

Food Safety Course Key Points:

• The course will be held January 22 and 23, 2026, at the Macoupin County Extension office in Carlinville.

• Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 9.

• The $100 fee covers the textbook, class materials, and the certification exam.

• Certification is required by the Illinois Department of Public Health for food establishments.

The University of Illinois Extension serving Macoupin County has announced that spots remain available for its first Certified Food Protection Manager Course of the year.

The two-day training session is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, and Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will take place at the Extension office in Carlinville.

Under the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code, the Department of Public Health requires all food establishments to be supervised by a certified Food Service Sanitation Manager during hours of operation. Certificates must be renewed every five years.

The class will be taught by Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson. The curriculum covers essential topics including foodborne illnesses, safe food handling, cooking and storage, employee health and hygiene, facility safety and maintenance, and cleaning and sanitization.

The fee for the course is $100, which includes the textbook, class materials, and the exam. Participants must attend both days of the training to be eligible to sit for the certification exam on the second day.

Pre-registration is required by Friday, Jan. 9. Organizers noted that if fewer than four participants register by the deadline, the class will be canceled and fees refunded. Payment can be made online via credit card, or by check or exact cash at the Extension office. Participants are required to bring a valid ID.

Registration is available online at https://extension.illinois.edu.