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Environmental Monitoring Programs

This course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement an effective Environmental Monitoring program to enhance product safety and quality in food processing facilities. The course will focus on identifying pathogens of concern and the critical role of environmental sampling programs in preventing contamination.

Participants will explore potential sources of contamination and learn about the steps required to control and mitigate these risks. Through interactive group work, attendees will develop a comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Plan and discuss mitigation strategies and corrective actions to effectively manage microbial contamination.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the importance of Environmental Monitoring programs in ensuring product safety and quality.
  • Identify pathogens of concern and assess the risks they pose in a food processing environment.
  • Recognize potential sources of contamination and outline effective control measures.
  • Develop a practical Environmental Monitoring Plan tailored to a food processing facility.
  • Implement corrective actions and mitigation steps to control microbial contamination.

Who Should Attend:

  • Food safety and quality assurance professionals looking to enhance their understanding of Environmental Monitoring.
  • Production managers and supervisors in food processing facilities responsible for implementing safety and quality programs.
  • Environmental health and safety specialists focused on reducing contamination risks in food production.
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This course is ideal for professionals responsible for maintaining high safety and quality standards in food processing facilities, providing them with the tools and knowledge to develop robust Environmental Monitoring programs.

 

 

 

Overview

This course will prepare participants to develop and implement an effective Pathogen Environmental Monitoring program that will achieve greater product safety and quality. The course will focus on pathogens of concern and the importance of environmental sampling programs. Potential sources of contamination will be identified and control steps outlined. Participants will work in small groups to develop an Environmental Monitoring Plan and discuss mitigation steps and corrective actions to control microbial contamination in a food processing facility.

This course will provide attendees with information in key program areas:

  • Identify the pathogens of concern in a food processing facility
    • Describe to foodborne illnesses associated with each
  • List potential contamination sources within a food processing facility
  • Create a plant zone map
  • Develop a sampling plan
  • Differentiate between different types of swabbing activities and explain the best practices for each
  • Analyze trends in monitoring data
  • Generate a corrective action plan
  • Identify opportunities for continuous program improvement

This course includes a final examination to earn a certificate. Participants will be asked to evaluate the quality and structure of the course itself as well.

Agenda

 
  • Introduction to Environmental Monitoring
  • Case Study: Pathogen Contamination in Food Processing
  • What, Where and When to Sample
  • Cornell Dairy Plant Overview Tour
  • Create Plant Zone Map
  • Sampling Plan Development Small Group Activity
  • Review and Discuss Sampling Plan/Zone Maps
  • Swabbing Methods
  • Cornell Processing Areas Tour
  • Data Analysis
  • Monitoring trends in data
  • Corrective Actions
  • Corrective Action Plan Small Group Activity
  • Implementing Corrective Action Plans
  • Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis Strategies
  • Verification and Continual Improvement
  • FSMA's Impact on PEM
  • Hygienic Zoning

Fees

  • $725-$880 for in-state registrants
  • $880-$1100 for out-of-state registrants
  • Limited to the first 35 students.

Instructors

  • Martin Wiedmann - Lead Instructor
    Gellert Family Professor in Food Safety Professor
    607-254-2838
    martin.wiedmann [at] cornell.edu (martin[dot]wiedmann[at]cornell[dot]edu)
  • Additional instructors and contributors to this course include staff of the Cornell Dairy Plant.

 

Course Dates

  • Hybrid: Self-paced online and Hands-on session 
    • Online modules and in-person session at Cornell, November 4, 2025

Course Contact

Louise Felker
Program Coordinator
607-255-7098
lmf226 [at] cornell.edu (lmf226[at]cornell[dot]edu)