SPARTANBURG "We expect the food we buy in the grocery store or restaurant to be safe," said Sue Hovey, Food Safety and Nutrition Educator with the Clemson Extension Service. "We should also expect the food we can or freeze to be safe."

Clemson Extension is offering a Master Food Safety Volunteer Course to make sure participants know how to can and freeze foods safely and will be able to train others.

The first class will begin Monday, May 1, at 1:30 p.m. at the Clemson Extension Service. A total of 10 classes will be offered on Monday afternoons through the end of July.

The course is designed for anyone who is interested in canning, freezing and other food safety topics. It is limited to the first 15 participants, and the deadline to register is April 14.

"Everyone is invited to attend, including people in surrounding counties," said Hovey.

Cost of course materials is $100 and includes a large reference notebook and the cookbook So Easy to Preserve. Class members will have discussions during class and will be expected to complete homework assignments.

The Master Food Safety Volunteer Course is similar to the Master Gardener Course. Participants who successfully finish the course are expected to donate 30 hours of volunteer time in exchange for this indepth training,

For more information call Sue Hovey at (864) 596-2993 extension 111.

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.