module specification

The module examines in detail the key aspects of the management of food safety through prerequisite programmes and HACCP as well as the role of supplier assurance and ingredient specifications in managing the quality of processed foods.
The concept of risk analysis and its three main components (risk assessment, risk management and risk communication) will be introduced. You will study the application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and the main causes of system failure.  You will examine industrial case studies and identify best practice before writing a comprehensive HACCP plan.  You will understand the importance of government inspection and sampling programmes as well as the growing reliance on third party auditing to agreed industrial standards (IFS, BRC, ISO and SALSA) in the safe and consistent production of food that complies with EU and global legislation. The use of consumers’ purchasing power to drive up safety and quality standards will also be explored.

The aims of the module:
1. To study the application of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
2. To study the main causes of HACCP system failure. 
3. To examine industrial case studies and identify best practice before writing a comprehensive HACCP plan. 
4. To understand the importance of government inspection and sampling programmes as well as the growing reliance on third party auditing to agreed industrial standards (IFS, BRC, ISO and SALSA) in the safe and consistent production of food that complies with EU and global legislation. 
To explore use of consumers’ purchasing power to drive up safety and quality standards.

• Regulation of the food industry, impact of food law in UK, EU and elsewhere to facilitate trade globally. Meeting key legislative requirements on hygiene, temperature, traceability, allergens and labelling [LO3].
• The prevalence and common causes of food poisoning in England. The role of Safer Food Better Business, the food hygiene rating system, scores on the doors and enforcement by Environmental Health Officers in protecting the public’s health [LO1, 3].
• The key aspects of quality management and Good Agricultural Practice, Good Hygiene Practice & Good Manufacturing Practice and other internal audits such as CCP audit and the vital role specifications and supplier assurance play in the consistent production of food and drink [LO2].
• The practical application of HACCP through prerequisite controls, senior management commitment, food safety culture, hazard analysis, risk assessment, the determination of critical control points, process control, product control, traceability, product recall & withdrawal, trainings including CCP competency assessment and the causes of HACCP system failure [LO2, 4].
• Compliance with food legislations and knowledge of main food standards (BRC, SALSA, STS, FSSC and other GFSI accredited schemes) in global supply chain management [LO3].
• Recognise the importance of food chemical safety in food production and distribution. Identification of the common sources of chemical hazards including allergens. Analytical methods used to determine and then quantify chemical hazards and safe exposure levels [LO2].
• Appreciate the methods used and agencies responsible for authenticating foods and detecting food fraud, vulnerability and their assessments [LO2].
• Professional development and CPD, trade associations, professional bodies, sources of information and advice, industrial networks.
• Enhance employability skills by including skills acquired on the course when rewriting CVs and meeting food industry expectations .

Basic understanding will be developed through attending lectures, participating in question and answer sessions, contributing to class discussions as well as considering industrial case studies in small groups. 

Students will take part in visit (s) to food manufacturer and/or food research association. Where possible, students will shadow a food professional conducting a food safety audit. The second written assignment will develop their ability to produce technical information succinctly using tables and process flow diagrams.

Students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study including reading of appropriate texts, peer reviewed journals and credible sources of information and guidance produced by government, trade associations and professional bodies.

Employability skills will be developed when revising their CVs and career planning sessions with experts from career advisory service or practising food scientists.

On completing this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of a food safety culture driven by senior management in the manufacture of food and drink which is legal, safe and consistent.

2. Have a critical understanding of the application of HACCP in the food industry and the significance of third party auditing in global supply chain management.

3. Understand the vital role government agencies play in detecting fraud, ensuring authenticity and reducing the number of incidents of food poisoning in the UK.

4. Demonstrate competency in assessment and the causes of HACCP system failure

5. Discuss and design a basic HACCP plan

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