Online crash course in food safety unveiled
Food industry workers can complete a two-and-a-half hour crash course on food safety and hygiene via a new e-learning initiative, it emerged today.
The project was launched today by eGovernment Minister Tom Kitt, employers group IBEC and the Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) after a successful pilot program in meat firm Kepak in Dublin last November.
The course aims to provide basic food hygiene training for food industry workers like food handlers, suppliers and contractors.
It was developed in conjunction with Teagasc – The National Food Centre and FAS eCollege and is supported by the European Union under the European Social Fund.
It is delivered through an internet-based eLearning platform; allowing participants to study and learn at their own pace and can be completed in two-and-a-half hours.
Mr Kitt said: “This is an excellent innovation enabling companies to provide an in-house, very practical and very flexible training facility for the staff of companies working in the food sector.
“As eGovernment Minister I welcome any initiative that enables staff and business to overcome practical barriers to training and upskilling, and that does so in such an efficient and user-friendly manner.”
Dr Louise Sullivan, FDII executive said: “The course is time-efficient for companies and user friendly for staff, especially those who are not regular computer users.”
The course covers six distinct areas including food hygiene practice, causes and prevention of food spoilage and personal hygiene.
Users answer multiple-choice questions at the end of each unit before they proceed to the next section. A certificate of completion for each student is also provided at the end.
Ann Marie Malone, quality manager for Kepak, where the scheme was piloted in November 2004 said: “I was very impressed by the course. It covers all the basic issues for food handlers and was extremely convenient and user friendly.
“The course can be taken at any time and there is no need to wait until a group is ready to be trained or to shut down production for the duration of the course. We will definitely use it again in Kepak as a part of our future training programmes”.
Yvonne O’Connor, a staff member in Kepak, said: “I could log on when it suited me.”
Fellow worker Siobhan O’Brien added “It was helpful in showing you the proper way to do things on the factory floor.”
John McNamee, Project manager FAS eCollege, said: “This course is now available 24/7 to all those working in the food industry and we are extremely happy with the response of the users of the course to date.
“The level of flexibility offered is such that employers can schedule access to the course to suit the needs of the workers and the workflow throughout the plant.”
