The Food Safety and Processing program is essential for protecting public health and supporting our local food entrepreneurs. We offer specialized training, technical assistance, and certification programs for home-based food businesses, commercial processors, and food handlers. Our goal is to ensure that all food produced, handled, and sold in our county meets the highest standards for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Visit our Content Database for Publications and Factsheets on Food Safety & Processing.
View Publications and FactsheetsN.C. Cooperative Extension Agents offer Safe Plates for Food Managers at local County Extension Centers. This program prepares managers for the American National Standards Institution approved Food Protection Manager Certification.
Visit Safe Plates for Food ManagersHurricanes, tornadoes, floods, ice storms and other natural disasters can cause power outages or water damage that can put refrigerated, frozen and dry foods at risk. Find resources for how to handle food when disaster strikes.
Prepare for DisasterNews
Published - January 4, 2026
Published - June 20, 2023