The Food Safety Consortium Conference has announced a new online Food Safety Training Series, developed to explore critical food safety and quality topics in depth and offer timely information on emerging issues.

The first series is Food Safety Testing – Above and Beyond PCQI Principles, which will include three 90-minute online classes on February 1, 15 and 29. Building on the core PCQI principles, this training covers the key elements of effective food safety testing programs. The course will be led by Trish Wester, President of the Association for Food Safety Auditing Professionals (AFSAP).

Drawing on the extensive training portfolio of AFSAP, the first class includes an overview of general testing principles and the regulatory framework used to enforce compliance. Anticipating an increased focus on chemical testing under the new FDA leadership, a complete class session will be devoted to what, how and when to test for chemical contaminants, with the third and final class of the series devoted to the complexities of microbial testing.

“I am excited about the brand expansion of the Food Safety Consortium moving into training. Last year, we introduced two highly successful training programs, one on site and the other as a hybrid of three online classes followed by an onsite class. The Food Safety Testing Above & Beyond PCQI Principles Series is the first of several new and innovative programs we’ll offer this year,” said Rick Biros, founder of the Food Safety Consortium and publisher of Food Safety Tech.

The classes will feature a two-way virtual training format. All webcams will be on so the instructor can see each trainee and each trainee can see the instructor. This allows the instructor to monitor the class progress throughout, encouraging group discussion and live questions, replicating an in-person training experience without the need for travel. Space is limited, as class size is limited to 20 participants per series.

“I’m thrilled to bring food safety training to a new level. Working with the Consortium, we developed the Virtual Live concept that blends the best attributes of instructor led in-person training with the cost effectiveness of web-based programs. This should provide increased access to training for all food safety employees, which will have a positive impact on food safety,” said Wester.

Who should attend?

• All levels of QA/QC personnel interested in advancing their food safety career into food safety program management and plan development in a wide range of product categories.
• Entry level food personnel would also benefit from the course format.
• Food Safety Auditors of all levels will increase their understanding of the food safety principles used in the area of product and environmental testing.

4.5 CE Hours and Certificate of Attendance: The Food Safety Consortium Conference’s Training, developed by AFSAP, is recognized by NEHA (National Environmental Health Association) for Continuing Education (CE) Hours. Upon completion of the training, each trainee will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Learn more and register here.