Food Safety Program

On behalf of Scott Lewis, Board Chairman and the Michigan Apple Association Board of Directors I would like to announce that the alternative versions of the Food Safety for Cider Makers educational program are available for grower use. 85 growers representing 68 cider mills made a strong statement about their desire to keep offering a safe and wholesome product by participating in the original Food Safety for Cider Makers class in March, 2009. The new online version and DVD version of the program make it possible for additional growers and employees to take advantage of this excellent educational opportunity year round.

This program is the result of work by the Michigan Cider Safety Task Force which has worked to upgrade the state's apple cider food safety measures. In addition to the updated 50-point Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) that MDA currently uses in an inspection, the Task Force worked, with industry consensus, to get a law on the books requiring that every Michigan cider mill have a certified food safety specialist as an active staff member. This is now law, and by taking this food safety course you'll fulfill that requirement for your cider mill for the next five years. And, you make a strong statement to Michigan consumers.

Dr. Les Bourquin, of MSU’s Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition has worked diligently to provide a concise, grower-friendly, cider maker version of popular food safety training materials. Michigan Department of Agriculture has reviewed the materials and granted their approval of the course as fulfilling the requirement under Section 7106 of the Michigan Food Law, P.A. 92 of 2000, as amended October 9, 2007.

Food Safety is the #1 priority for Michigan Department of Agriculture so participating cider mill operators can earn PRC credits for completing the food safety program. The program has been approved for 6 private or commercial Pesticide Re-certification credits. Growers who are "in the process" of getting certified cannot get credits; process must be completed. Be sure to provide your applicator number on the registration form.

The MSU Extension, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Project GREEEN organizations are to be commended for their foresight in partnering with Michigan Apple Association on this important project. Their financial assistance and expertise have made this program a reality.

In order to start the program and testing process payment by check must be submitted to the Michigan Apple Association. For your convenience a registration form can be downloaded for the course.
YOU CAN NOT ACCESS THE PROGRAM FROM THE WEB-SITE.

Sincerely,

Denise Donohue		Cindy S. Reisig
Executive Director		Educational Coordinator
Michigan Apple Association		Michigan Apple Association

ONLINE VERSION … Manual will be mailed upon receipt of payment.  Necessary hyperlinks for accessing online lecture and quizzes will be emailed.  Be sure to provide legible email address. 
Must have high speed service.

First Employee		Additional Employees
$205 Out-of-State Resident		$175
$165 Michigan Resident		$135
$145 Michigan Grower who belongs to or joins MAA		$115

DVD VERSION- TEST SCHEDULED FOR 1:00 PM, FEBRUARY 25, 2010 at MAC office, DeWitt
Manual and lecture DVD’s will be mailed upon receipt of payment. 

First Employee		Additional Employees
$205 Out-of-State Resident		$175
$165 Michigan Resident		$135
$145 Michigan Grower who belongs to or joins MAA		$115

2010 Registration Form(Microsoft Word 97-2003 Document)