SMF Training & Consulting - Food Safety Consulting

10/03/2025

*** NEW *** Over the years, many of you have told me you’d love more ways to study online. I even have students who have recertified with me 5 times! Sitting in a classroom for hours isn’t always necessary — sometimes you just need a solid refresher.

That’s why I put together a 10-module video series. It’s less than 3 hours to watch, broken into short, focused lessons. I also included an outline with links, so you can dig deeper if you want to review specific topics.

I made this to save you time, money, and stress — and to give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, wherever you are. Learn more here: https://www.marylandfoodhandler.com/online-exam-prep.php

09/29/2025

Why spend $200 for a one-day, in-person class?
My training with the computer-based ServSafe® exam costs less than many competitors — and you’ll be learning from a Certified Professional – Food Safety (CP-FS), a credential very few trainers hold.

With over 30 years in the food industry and 15 years training students for the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) exam, I bring both expertise and real-world experience. I’ve performed 3rd-party inspections and operated my own food business, so I know the challenges you face.

Here’s what one of my students had to say:

"Sue does a great job presenting the materials in a meaningful way and provides great practical examples that drive the information home. Her study guide is very helpful. I have recommended her training to many of my colleagues!" - Suzanne Streeter, Harford County Office on Aging

Sign up today! https://www.marylandfoodhandler.com/food-safety-training-schedule.php

09/27/2025

Need food manager training but want it on your schedule? I got you! Check out the private training cost calculator - https://www.marylandfoodhandler.com/private-food-safety-classes.php

09/22/2025

✨ Monday check-in! ✨
We’re curious — what was the BEST thing you ate this weekend? 🍔🍕🍤
Tag the restaurant so we can all give them some love 👇
Own a spot and want to brag? Show us your best dish! 🍽️🔥

09/16/2025

📚Did your college students leave you?
👩‍🏫New staff need certification?

💲 Register now and receive $10 off our open enrollment training class or call today for group training at your facility for as low as $95 per student.

09/10/2025

Build first, ask forgiveness later?
In food service, I’ve seen this gamble too many times — and the losses are often devastating. My latest post breaks down why shortcuts cost more than compliance.
check it out here https://marylandfoodhandler.com/blog/food-safety/ask-forgiveness-or-play-by-the-rules-the-high-stakes-gamble-in-food-service/

08/19/2025

ALERT: Notice from the FDA

Highlights: Great Value Brand Frozen Shrimp - Shrimp from Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (doing business as BMS Foods) has tested positive for Cesium-137 a radoactive element typically found where there have have nuclear accidents or atomic bombs. Although, no know product has entered commerce, the FDA states that the shrimp my have been prepared, packaged, or held in insanitary conditions and should not be used.

Full Notice including lot numbers can be found here:

Frozen shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act. FDA’s investigation is ongoing.

07/30/2025

This gives a new meaning to "High Noon". If you don't intend to catch a buzz...check the lot numbers on CELSIUS ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition...they may contain alcohol! See full recall here

MODESTO, CA, July 29, 2025 – High Noon is recalling two production lots of High Noon Beach Variety packs (12-pack/12 fluid ounce cans). Some of these packs contain cans that are filled with High Noon vodka seltzer alcohol and are mislabeled as CELSIUS® ASTRO VIBE™ Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue R...

07/30/2025

Is this a ready to eat food? The answer may shock you! Answer will be posted here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1059156672400403

07/28/2025

UPDATE: I have one space left for this amazing deal!

🎓 Want to get ServSafe® certified for just $40 instead of $145?

I’m launching a new Food Protection Manager Prep Series — short, practical videos to help you study at your own pace.

For a limited time, I’m looking for 5 food service workers to get FREE early access to the videos and take the exam for only $40 (normally $75, in-person total usually $145).

✅ You must be currently working in food service, haven’t taken the exam yet, and be willing to share quick feedback.

Comment “interested” or DM me now — only 5 spots!

07/24/2025

Who wants to earn their SERVSAFE certification for $40?
5 BETA testers needed!
Help Shape a New Food Safety Prep Series
I’m inviting a few dedicated food service professionals to beta test my new Food Protection Manager Prep Series — a practical companion to your self-study for certification.

This appx 2 hour, on-demand video series breaks down the FDA Food Code and common food safety practices used in most retail and restaurant kitchens. It’s designed to help you truly understand the rules, so your studying becomes more effective — not just memorization.

Passing still depends on your effort to learn and remember the material. But if you take the time to study and apply what’s covered, you’ll be well prepared to succeed on the exam.

Who Can Participate:
✅ Currently working in food service
✅ Have not taken the Food Protection Manager exam before
✅ Willing to share honest, constructive feedback through short surveys

🎁 What You’ll Receive:
FREE access to the complete Prep Series and supporting materials ($39.99 value)

Opportunity to take the ServSafe® exam for just $40 (normally $75)

📝 Your Part:
Watch all videos
Complete the short surveys at the end of each of the 5 videos
Score 75%+ on the practice test

➕ Bonus:
If you don’t pass the exam, you can retake a full in-person class at any of my open enrollment sessions — just pay the reduced $40 exam fee.

If you put in the work, it will help you feel ready for test day without sitting in a classroom all day.

Looking for 5 people to join in. Comment interested below, or shoot me a message. This is your chance to become ServSafe certified for $40!

07/22/2025

🎯 Think a food is ready to eat just because it looks that way? Not always.
Some “heat and serve” meals now require cooking to 165°F — and that’s not just a suggestion. It’s the critical safety step.

✅ Always follow package directions — when it says “cook to 165°F,” that’s your signal to keep it safe.
🏠 At home or on the job, instructions matter more than ever.

💡 Why it matters:
The FDA now requires manufacturers to consider Listeria monocytogenes as a potential hazard.
They can either:

Do expensive testing during production, or

Pass the kill step on to you by requiring thorough cooking.

That’s why you’re seeing new or changed cooking instructions on some foods — and why following them isn’t just about compliance; it protects your guests, your family, and your business.