Food Safety & Processing

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.

An undergraduate student  works in the Robert H. Feldmeier Dairy Processing Lab.
Food Safety & Processing Publications

Visit our Content Database for Publications and Factsheets on Food Safety & Processing.

View Publications and Factsheets
Safe Plates

N.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 Managers
Disaster Preparedness

Hurricanes, 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 Disaster
Pressure Canner Dial Gauge Testing in Davie County

Ensure your pressure canner is safe and accurate with quick dial gauge testing through the N.C. Cooperative Extension - Davie County Center Office! Family and Consumer Science Agent, Colleen Church uses the Presto Testing Unit to inspect dial gauges for Presto, National Pressure Cooker Company, Eau Claire (WI), Magic Seal, Maid of Honor, and Kook-Kwick brands. Call us today at 336-753-6100 to schedule a time to drop off your pressure canner for testing.

Starting a home-based food business?

If you plan to produce, repackage, or sell food for human consumption from your home whether selling directly to consumers, restaurants, or retail stores. You must have your primary home kitchen inspected first. To get started, follow the steps below to check your eligibility for the Home Processing Program and guide you through the application process.

Get Started Now