Environmental Monitoring

This course will provide participants with an understanding of the key components of an environmental monitoring programme to identify potential microbiological risks in production and open product areas; in addition to explaining different sampling methods and key elements of a corrective action procedure. This is particularly useful when implementing an environmental monitoring programme based on the Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 8 requirements and industry best practices.

This training course is particularly aimed at technical and quality personnel; auditors and consultants.

Section 1: Environmental monitoring overview
Section 2: Designing the program
Section 3: Implementing the program
Section 4: Improving the program and the food safety management system
Section 5: Workplace assessment (take home assignment)

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand Issue 8 requirements and key components of an environmental monitoring programme, including risk assessment, sampling location, target organisms, test methods, sample frequency, establishing control limits, appropriate corrective action, validation/ verification of the program.
• Describe appropriate target organisms and identify suitable sampling locations.
• Explain different sampling methods.
• Explain appropriate corrective action for environmental monitoring failures.
• Develop an environmental monitoring programme based on Issue 8 requirements and industry best practices.

Course assignment – workplace assessment; Pass mark 75%.