UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, which offers classes in applied food service sanitation, is taking part in National Food Safety Education Month.

September has been designated as National Food Safety Education Month to focus attention on the importance of safe food preparation, both in restaurant and professional kitchens and at home.

The college will take part in this month-long observance to show its support of the food service industry's commitment to food safety. The college offers classes in applied food service sanitation (SERVSAFE) every semester, at various times of the day. Classes are available to the public by registering as a special student for the class. Instructors from the college can also present the class to interested groups.

National Food Safety Education Month promotes food safety training and education among food service workers, and educates the public about the food service industry's commitment to serving safe food.

"The William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration recognizes that training and educating managers and employees in safe food preparation is critical, and we practice food safety everyday," said Robert H. Bosselman, associate professor in the department of food and beverage management.

"National Food Safety Education Month is an opportunity to show customers how seriously we take our responsibility to prepare food safely throughout the year," he said.

The college is also encouraging food service establishments in the community to become a part of the Industry Council of Food Safety, the food service industry coalition that sponsors National Food Safety Education Month. Any establishment with at least one manager certified in food safety is eligible to become a part of the industry council, and many participating restaurants display the industry council decal on their doors. By supporting the council, the college demonstrates commitment to food safety throughout the year.

The industry council also seeks to build public awareness of the importance of food safety at home. The council provides important food safety education for home cooks in a new consumer booklet, "Chef CookSmart's Guide to Safe Food Preparation and Handling," which is available free of charge by calling 1-800-COOK-SMART.

For more information on the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration's food safety training class or research and training activities, call Bosselman at (702) 895-4408.