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The Food Innovation Center at Rutgers (FIC) is a unique food business incubator that is a unit of the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES).
We support established early-stage entrepreneurs and existing food companies, from concept to commercialization. Combining years of industry expertise and the advanced technologies offered by Rutgers, we provide business, marketing, food safety, product design, and scale-up expertise within FDA- and USDA-certified facilities to help companies successfully build and grow their businesses.
Upcoming training and events
ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certificate Training – In Person in Bridgeton, NJ!
February 10-12, 2026 Click here to Register!
Price: $350
Course Overview
This course includes 16 hours of classroom instruction (9 am – 5 pm) given over two days. Participants in this training will be required to take a 90-question test and will earn an official ServSafe Manager Certificate from the Restaurant Food Association.
Who Should Attend
This Food Safety Manager course is intended for those in the food service operations that is the PIC (Person in Charge) that ensures all food is being handled and served safely by all employees.
This course also satisfies the requirement for the NJ’s Cottage Food Permit law.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP Certificate Training) – Virtual
February 17-19, 2026 Click here to Register!
Price: $749
Course Overview
This VIRTUAL live-instructor led 20-hour class given over 2.5 days covers information needed for writing a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan as required by USDA for FSIS-regulated meat, poultry, or egg products or for those producing foods under GFSI-format 3rd party audits requiring a HACCP certified individual to oversee their food safety plan. This course will give participants information for creating, implementing, and documenting a HACCP program.
Preventive Controls for Human Foods (PCQI Certificate Training) Version 2.0 – Virtual
March 17-19, 2026 Click here to Register!
Price: $749
Course Overview
Food safety training is a core capability and competency of the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University (FIC). With the issuance of new regulations resulting from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the FIC is one of the first centers in the country to offer training in Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF), consistent with the principles of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA). The course includes 20 hours of classroom instruction over two and a half days. Participants in this training will be required to take a test and will earn an official FSPCA certificate for becoming an FDA-recognized “Preventive Controls Qualified Individual” (PCQI) with the credentials for creating an FDA Food Safety Plan with hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls.
Food Business Basics
Are you an early-stage entrepreneur looking to grow your business or expand the family recipe into a marketable and sellable product?
If so, then this course is for you. With this session you will understand how to navigate through the food business process, make improvements with product development, scale your product and so much more. Join us, for a productive and informative session that will help get your business to the next level.
8:00AM – 4:30PM
Rutgers Eco Complex
1200 Florence Columbus Rd
Bordentown, NJ 08505
Details and agenda | From recent FBB class in Nov 2025!
About the Food Innovation Center @ Rutgers University
The Food Innovation Center @ Rutgers University (FIC) is a One-Stop Shop for U.S. and International Food and Beverage Businesses looking to accelerate in the U.S. market. A team of food industry veterans offer expertise in Business Development, Marketing, Marketing Research, R&D, Food Safety, Manufacturing and Sales. Our USDA and FDA inspected processing facilities provide over 50,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing, storage, laboratory/office/meeting space and training facilities supporting our ability to Learn – Innovate – Accelerate into the market.
FIC is a Center within the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Training and Consulting
Research & Development
Manufacturing & Production