Environmental Monitoring Programs

This course is will prepare participants to develop and implement an effective 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.

Overview

This course is 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.

Learning Outcomes

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

Evaluation

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

$650-$725 for in-state registrants
$725-$880 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
Additional instructors and contributors to this course include staff of the Cornell Dairy Plant.

Course Dates

Hybrid: Self-paced online and live instructor-led video conference
Course dates:
- 2023: Online modules and live Zoom session on November 7, 2023
- 2024: Online modules and in-person session at Cornell on November 5, 2024

Learn more about Dairy Foods Extension

Course Contact

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