South Carolinians hoping to turn a favorite recipe into a food business can learn what it takes to safely move a product from the kitchen to the marketplace through an upcoming Clemson University Food2Market program.
Registration is now open for the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service Food Safety Workshop for Food Entrepreneurs, which begins Sept. 9 with an eight-week online course. Deadline to register is Sept. 2.
Designed for aspiring and early-stage food entrepreneurs, the program covers food safety and regulatory considerations involved in producing and selling food in South Carolina. Participants developing sauces, baked goods, snacks, specialty foods and other products can use the course to better understand what is required before bringing a product to market.
“Turning a great recipe into a food business involves much more than making a product people enjoy,” said Adair Hoover, Clemson Extension food systems and safety associate. “Understanding food safety, regulations, testing, labeling and processing early in the process can help entrepreneurs make informed decisions as they develop their products.”
Learn online, then connect in person
The workshop is designed to fit participants’ schedules. New online modules will open each week, allowing participants to complete coursework on their own time.
Topics include:
- State and federal regulations
- Approved production facilities
- Food safety planning
- Product testing
- Nutrition labeling
- Food processing
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Traceability and recalls
- Resources for food businesses and farms
Participants will also have opportunities to ask questions of food safety professionals and meet regulators and inspectors. They may showcase their products to receive feedback and make connections that could help move their businesses forward.
After the eight-week online portion, participants will attend an in-person workshop on Nov. 11 in Columbia.
Program at a glance
- Cost: $225
- Register through Eventbrite
- Registration deadline: Sept. 2
- Online course: Begins Sept. 9
- Online instruction: Eight weeks, with new modules opening weekly
- In-person workshop: Nov. 11 in Columbia, South Carolina
- Audience: Aspiring and early-stage food entrepreneurs
- Certificate: Awarded to participants who complete the online coursework and attend the in-person workshop
Contact
Adair Hoover
Clemson Extension
Food Systems and Safety Associate
