IDFA is joining again with Chestnut Labs to offer “Microbiological Testing: A Hands-on Food Safety Course,” which is designed to help dairy plant professionals learn the latest in good laboratory practices and develop skills to build a strong food safety program for their companies. The course will be held Nov. 1-3 in Springfield, Mo.

Over three days, the course will integrate classroom presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities in a professional laboratory environment to show cutting-edge food safety techniques. Designed for quality assurance staff, lab personnel, microbiology technicians and other food safety professionals, the course will show attendees how to:

1. Properly plate, read and interpret common indicator microorganisms through hands-on applications;
2. Prevent common mistakes in microbiological testing;
3. Create and interpret product specifications, including how to choose the correct test methods and sampling plans;
4. Assist with the design, implementation and ongoing operation of a pathogen environmental sampling program and the best testing methodologies based on product type and sanitizer use within the facility;
5. Perform internal laboratory audits, including the proper evaluation of equipment calibrations, good laboratory practices and lab design;
6. Control pathogens of significance in the dairy industry; and
7. Better prepare for Food and Drug Administration inspections under the Food Safety Modernization Act.

“IDFA and Chestnut Labs developed this course to allow dairy professionals to hone critical food-safety testing skills in a real-world lab experience,” said John Allan, vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards for IDFA. “This is an excellent practice-makes-perfect opportunity for anyone responsible for ensuring food safety.”