Program Overview

Introduction to the Food Industry Training Unit

The Food Industry Training Unit (FITU) at University College Cork offers a range of courses and training programs for professionals in the food industry. One of the courses offered is "Preparing for Food Safety and Quality Audits - A Practical Approach."

Objective of the Course

The aim of this two-day workshop is to help personnel plan and prepare for food safety and quality audits and to engage effectively with auditors. The course takes a practical approach, counting down from when the audit preparations start, right up to the day of the food safety audit, and afterwards to ensure close-out.

Who Should Attend

Those in a food business operation who are responsible for preparing for food safety and quality audits and interacting with auditors should attend this course. This includes:

• Technical managers
• Food safety and quality managers
• Quality assurance personnel
• HACCP team members
• Production personnel involved in audit planning and preparation
• Product developers and R&D personnel
• Senior personnel who need to engage with experts in food safety management

What the Workshop Will Focus On

The workshop will focus on:

• Requirements of food safety and quality audits
• Expectations of the external food safety auditor
• Audit preparation and priorities in the months before the audit
• Critical food safety documentation
• Critical food safety practices
• Internal audits and system reviews
• What to do in the weeks leading up to the audit
• What to do on the day of the audit
• How to follow up on the audit and manage the outcome

Digital Badge Award

Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded a digital badge, which can be used to support their CV and e-portfolio. The digital badge recognizes accomplishment in completing the course and can be downloaded and included on CVs or shared via email.

Lead Trainer

The lead trainer for the course is Dr. Catherine Halbert, who is highly knowledgeable on food quality and safety, particularly auditing of food safety management systems. Dr. Halbert has trained hundreds of people in the food industry and has helped clients achieve certification to external food safety standards.

Invited Speakers

Invited speakers will include a food business owner, a food safety manager, and third-party food safety auditors, providing a wealth of expertise in food safety management and auditing.

Course Fee

The cost of the course is 825, which includes tuition, course notes and templates, lunches, refreshment breaks, a class photograph, and a UCC Digital Badge. The course will be part-funded (20% of the fee) for eligible applicants by Taste4Success Skillnet.

Registration

The workshop is limited to 20 people, with a strong focus on interaction with the speakers and between participants to share issues and successful approaches.