DATE:     5/10/04
CONTACT:  Dr. Jim Rushing, (843) 402-5388; jrshng@clemson.edu
WRITER:   Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343, ext. 241; tlollis@clemson.edu

Clemson offers food safety course
for fruit and vegetable industry

     CHARLESTON -- Fresh produce food safety training will be offered
May 18-19 at Clemson University's Coastal Research and Education Center
at Charleston.
     "The course is open to growers, packers and anyone else with an
interest in learning more about food safety issues related to fresh
fruit and vegetables," said Jim Rushing, Clemson Extension postharvest
specialist.
     Beginning at 1 p.m. May 18 and ending May 19 at 3 p.m., the course
will cover good agricultural practices and good manufacturing practices
for the fresh produce industry.
     The course is a continuation of a regional training program begun
two years ago. Rushing urges participants in the first program to
attend. New regulations and industry policies have been implemented
since the previous training sessions.
     Subject matter to be covered will also include sources of
microbial contamination, personal hygiene, water quality management,
pest control, traceback and audits, inspections, liability and
economics.
     "We will focus on practical solutions to real problems," said
Rushing.
     Contact Rushing by phone (843-402-5388), e-mail
(jrshng@clemson.edu) or FAX (843-571-4654) if you have questions or if
you wish to confirm participation.
                                     END