Montgomery County Extension to Host Food Safety Certification Course in February

Article Summary: The University of Illinois Extension is hosting a two-day certification course in Hillsboro this February for food service managers, satisfying state public health requirements for supervision.

Hillsboro Food Safety Class Key Points:

• The course will be held on February 12 and 13, 2026, at the Montgomery County Extension Office.

• Pre-registration is required by Friday, Jan. 30.

• The $100 fee includes all class materials and the certification exam.

• Certification is mandatory for supervisors under the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Code.

The Montgomery County Extension Office announced it will host a Certified Food Protection Managers Course on Thursday, Feb. 12, and Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, to help local food service workers meet state regulatory requirements.

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

The upcoming two-day course will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day at the Montgomery County Extension Office, located at 1 Industrial Park Dr. in Hillsboro.

Lisa Peterson, an Extension Nutrition & Wellness Educator, will instruct the class. The curriculum provides the minimum classroom work necessary to prepare for the National Certification Examination. Topics covered include foodborne illnesses, safe food handling, cooking and storage, employee health and hygiene, facility safety and maintenance, and cleaning and sanitization.

The cost for the course is $100, which covers the textbook, class materials, and the exam. Participants must attend both days to be eligible to sit for the exam on the second day and must present a valid photo ID.

Pre-registration is required by Friday, Jan. 30. Organizers noted that a minimum of four registered participants are needed 10 business days in advance, or the class will be canceled and fees refunded.

Registration can be completed online at https://extension.illinois.edu or by contacting the Extension office. Payment is accepted via credit card online, or by check or exact cash at the office.