Food Risk and Society (Distance Learning)

This course is offered at Masters level.

Course content includes:

• The principles and application of food technology including microbiological and non-microbiological hazards in the food supply chain. Key sources of contamination and cross contamination in the food chain and the impact this has on human health and the national economy
• The causes and aetiology of food poisoning and food borne disease
• The range of means by which food is handled, processed, stored and prepared ahead of consumption, and explain how these might serve to minimise or exacerbate risk
• The role of pre-requisites and their importance in food safety management systems
• Principles of HACCP and its application to food safety management and practical understanding of food safety auditing and HACCP and non HACCP based food safety management systems. Quality control and quality assurance systems in food safety management and the interventions and knowledge of the law surrounding food standards, food hygiene and food safety management systems
• The inspection, identification, judgement of fitness and quality of a variety of manufactured foods and primary produce
• The identification and evaluation of a range of interventions for dealing with food which fails to meet legislative requirements in terms of food safety and quality
• An understanding of the food supply chain market, the imperative of profit and the range of administrative demands placed on food business operators that might need to be considered when contemplating the assessment of risk and provision of advice and guidance to secure compliance and protect public health
• A detailed understanding of the legislation, guidance and policy which regulates/influences the safety and quality of the modern food chain.

Delivery:

Approximately 30 hours of directed study (e.g. online lectures, seminars) are delivered via Blackboard. Online lectures which are engaged with independently and as flexibly as you require and these may be supported by online seminars and other web-based activities (e.g. discussion platforms such as Collaborate).

Funding may be available to support your learning. Please contact your Trust Education Lead. If you work in the Private, Independent and Voluntary Sector please contact your employer, who will advise you.