Are you an entrepreneur developing new and exciting products? Do you have questions about ensuring the safety of your product? If so, this is the program for you!

This course is a 1.5-day program designed specifically to address product development and food safety issues faced by small processors. Throughout the course, we will introduce the food science basics, important considerations when developing a new food product, share key elements required for product labeling, and provide an overview of key regulatory requirements for small and emerging food businesses, such as entrepreneurs and local food processors.

Participants will receive a $50 stipend for participation.

Course description:

This course is a 1.5-day program designed specifically to address product development and food safety issues faced by small processors. Throughout the course, we will introduce the food science basics, important considerations when developing a new food product, share key elements required for product labeling, and provide an overview of key regulatory requirements for small and emerging food businesses, such as entrepreneurs and local food processors.

Course Outline:

Chapter 1: Introduction: Course introduction and expectations

Chapter 2: Food Safety Hazards: Understanding food safety hazards, and identifying potential sources.

Chapter 3: Product Development Life Cycle: Product development considerations from concept to commercialization.

Chapter 4: Product Labeling: Guidance for basic nutritional labeling and claims.

Chapter 5: Controlling Food Quality and Safety: Measurable approaches to monitoring the properties of your food product.

Chapter 6: Food Safety Management: Introduction to regulatory bodies and the FDA Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule.

Chapter 7: Hazard Analysis and Preventive Controls: Conducting a hazard analysis for your food product, and identifying where to implement process controls.

Registration Deadline: December 9th

For more information and to register, please visit the following link: https://umasscafe.irisregistration.com/Home/Site?code=ProductDevRI

If you have any questions, please contact Chris Von Achen at cvonachen@umass.edu

Find us merry-making in South Kingstown as we take our our signature makers market on the road! “Meet Your Maker” is popping up at Sons of Liberty Spirits Co. as their famous Whiskey Wonderland weekend winds-down. Vendor list below.

This is a family-friendly event.

THE MAKERS YOU’LL MEET

Eat, drink and shop local with some of Rhode Island’s most exciting specialty food brands, food trucks and more!

13 STARS

Premium Hot Sauces for U. S. Veterans, First Responders, and their families
Veteran owned and operated. A portion of profits go to help support U. S. Veterans, First Responders, and their families.

AURA’S CHOCOLATE BAR

Artisan Chocolate confections created for the whole family.
Aura’s Chocolate’s mission is to elevate chocolate to the next level and bring you a different experience alongside classic chocolate confections. Made by Chocolatier/Pastry chef, Aura Fajardo with high quality Venezuelan Chocolate and local ingredients.

BETH BAKES

Artisanal crackers that are gluten-free & vegan; Chocolate Sea Salt cookies that are gluten & dairy free.
Beth Bakes makes artisanal crackers that happen to be gluten-free, vegan and delicious! Four flavors: Currant Fennel, Crispy Classic (plain), Everything Bagel Spice & Pumpkin Seed Cumin. Pumpkin Seed Cumin & Everything Bagel are currently finalists for a Good Food Award 2020!

BUPPY PETS

Four ingredient dog treats inspired by human snacks, but recrafted making them healthy and delicious for you and your dog.
As pet owners, we avoid sharing food because what we eat isn’t always good for them, and sometimes, not good for us either. That’s why we worked hard to create snacks you could enjoy together without the guilt. Each of our recipes contain only 4 ingredients and are inspired by human snacks that dogs go nuts for, but recrafted to make them healthy and wholesome with all the same delicious flavors.

BURGUNDIAN COFFEE & WAFFLES

Rhode Island’s first Liège Waffle Co – These ain’t yo mama’s waffles!
Serving the greatest waffles in the world: the Liege (lee-ehj) waffle, made to order with sweet and savory toppings. A “Burgundian” loves all food and drink, in both quality and quantity, shared among friends. The Burgundian business seeks to be a place where all good things come together – products, people, and community. Veteran owned.

ENJOYFUL FOODS

Crafting low-glycemic and zero sugar chocolate products that feature powerful, healthy ingredients free of grain, gluten, dairy, and sugar. The way nature intended: Simple, Powerful, Pure.

Our customers know that our cacao based foods are healthy and delicious. We’re on a mission to make functional chocolate, not only delicious and healthy, but nutrient rich available for everyone.

FISHMONGER

Ceviche and freshly shucked clams.
Fisherman’s fish caught by locals in local waters.

GOOD VINES

Fresh and modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Using contemporary techniques and fresh local ingredients Good Vines creates distinct cuisine. Chef Eran believes that food should be healthy, fresh and memorable.

JA PATTY

Serving vegan options as well as traditional beef and jerk chicken. We focus on flavor over spice, so everybody can enjoy them.
JA Patty’s mission is to bring fresh flavors of the Caribbean to New England. Through a model of inclusiveness we hope to share the love of Jamaica, one patty at a time. Freshly baked Jamaican Patties (hand-pies) that are easy to grab-n-go.

JUST LIKE NANA’S

Rugelah, specialty bars, savory scones and other holiday specialty pastries.

Just Like Nana’s creates recipes inspired by the traditional Jewish pastry made by founder Karen Griffin’s Nana. Now a Hope & Main graduate, Just Like Nana’s menu has expanded to include a variety of seasonal specialties and creative gifts. Current offerings include pecan pie rugelah, cinnamon bars and the perfect holiday gift: a Cinnamon Wreath that comes with a hot chocolate spoon.

KANE’S KITCHEN

Small batch salsas with seasonal ingredients for health aware people.
We are trying be bring wholesome food to people without sacrificing flavor or quality.

MESA FRESCA

Authentic gourmet Hispanic condiments and marinades.
Founded on family and community, Mesa Fresca aims to share authentic, fresh packaged Hispanic flavors from our family to yours. Recipes are rooted in family tradition and grounded in the desire to bring people together over great food. Current offerings include Classic Chimichurri, Spicy Chimichurri, and Salsa Criolla – Red Bell Pepper Relish.

MINYMEALS

Crispy spring rolls and fresh summer rolls made-to-order. 
Our mission is to bring you farm to table, authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Our foods are cooked with better for you ingredients, locally sourced, low sodium and no MSG. On special occasions we expand our menu and offer stir fry noodles, fried rice, beef sticks, pulled pork, and chicken satay.

RAFA’S FLAVOR FACTORY

Big-flavor, small-batch, creamy deliciousness. Officially called gelato.
We are constantly working to find the best sources and best practices so that we can deliver you fantastic flavors while having the biggest positive impact on the world around us.

SHADY LANE FOODS

Handmade granola that is enjoyed by those of all ages, but it is particularly appealing to those with gluten intolerance and those who have adopted a plant-based diet.
Shady Lane Foods makes healthy, all natural, affordable and delicious granola that nourishes the bodies and minds of those who enjoy it. To support the most vulnerable in our community by donating to a kitchen in a homeless shelter kitchen serving breakfast and lunch.

SOURCEFIRE

Small batch hot sauce for anyone who appreciates heat.
SourceFire founders Jon and Todd are dedicated to using locally grown produce to find that perfect balance between flavor and heat.

Our ServSafe Food Safety Manager certification class is an 8-hour course designed to teach kitchen users how to properly produce food in a manner that is safe for public consumption. This course culminates with a competency exam and certification upon passing.

This certification is ideal for individuals working in food service management, and is required for Hope & Main membership.

Open to public. Admission includes book.