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Curtis Braun

SDSU Extension Food Safety Field Specialist

605-782-3290

SDSU Extension Sioux Falls Regional Center
4101 W 38th St Ste 103
Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Curtis Braun is the SDSU Extension Food Safety Field Specialist, bringing experience in food processing, manufacturing, risk assessment and product development. He has worked closely with South Dakota food entrepreneurs to help bring value-added products, such as processed goods across multiple categories, to market safely and in compliance with state regulations. With a bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas, Curtis uses his expertise to lower barriers for food entrepreneurs and home processors by providing accessible, low- or no-cost services. These services include labeling support, safety evaluations and guidance to ensure products are both market-ready and compliant.

Areas of Expertise

  • Acid and acidified canned goods
  • Value added food safety product risk assessments 
  • Cottage food law
  • South Dakota food regulations

Services

  • Product evaluation
    • pH testing 
    • Water activity testing
    • Food safety product risk assessment for value added processed food 
    • Review and approve acid and acidified canned (free for South Dakota residents)
    • Generate and provide ingredient declaration and nutrition facts panels utilizing Genesis Software 
  • Guidance in understanding cottage food law and South Dakota food regulations

State & Regional Offices

Sioux Falls Regional Center

Also by Curtis Braun

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Licensed Kitchen – Food Service Code Construction and Design Guidance

Fact sheet to help the processor understand the South Dakota food service code so they can determine if it’s feasible to build their own licensed kitchen at their home residence.

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Regulatory Guidance for Selling Foods in South Dakota

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Tapping Maples for Sap

Fact sheet on how to tap maple trees for sap.