IDFA and Chestnut Labs are offering a one-of-a kind course this July that will enable dairy plant quality assurance staff, lab personnel, microbiology technicians and others responsible for ensuring food safety to remain on the cutting edge of food-safety testing best practices and requirements.
The “Hands-On Microbiological Testing, Food Safety and Laboratory Best Practices” course, July 14-16 in Springfield, Mo., will be taught by experienced instructors who will demonstrate the latest industry practices, incorporating new thinking and proven techniques, while using the laboratory equipment most commonly available in dairy plants. Delivered in a classroom and laboratory environment, the workshop integrates classroom presentations, demonstrations and hand-on activities to improve attendees’ comprehension of microbiological testing and laboratory best practices.
Key topics will include:
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs);
- Identification and enumeration of common indicator microorganisms and how to interpret findings;
- Prevention of common mistakes in microbiological testing;
- Product sampling techniques and establishing and implementing a robust Pathogen Environmental Monitoring Program; and
- Performing internal laboratory audits and equipment calibration.
“This workshop provides essential information and training for dairy food safety professionals working on the production floor, in a laboratory or corporate food safety setting,” said John Allan, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards. “It’s truly a can’t-miss workshop if you’re serious about making sure your QA personnel are appropriately trained and your food safety program is sound as companies gear up for Food Safety Modernization Act implementation.”
Allan will present a regulatory update on the Food and Drug Administration’s recent and forthcoming activities that have an impact on the dairy food industry. The Chestnut Labs instructors are Kristin Acker, general manager and vice president; Mary L. Bandu, Ph.D., director of technical services; and Haiping Li, Ph.D., director of technical services.
Class size is limited to 50 participants. To register and read the full agenda, visit the Hands-on Microbiological Testing and Laboratory Practices course microsite. Members with questions may contact Allan at jallan@idfa.org.