Guelph Food Academy Launched

The University of Guelph’s Department of Food Science has launched an expanded online interactive food safety training program for industry.

“We are thrilled to offer the Guelph Food Academy to global food suppliers. Originally exclusive to Loblaw Companies Ltd. suppliers, this comprehensive training program is now being opened up to meet a demand in the global food processing industry,” states Dr. Art Hill, Chair of the Department of Food Science.

The first 7 program modules will begin in February 2015 and will run for six months.

This leading-edge training program was originally developed in partnership with Loblaw Companies Ltd. and was exclusive to its global President’s Choice TM brand suppliers. After three years of development including two years of successful program delivery, the Loblaw Academy it is now being offered to the global food processing industry.

“There has been interest from numerous food industry stakeholders to participate in the Loblaw Academy. We felt it was important to open the program up to other parties to provide them the opportunity to also enroll and benefit from this excellent food safety training program,” shares Mike Liewen, Senior Vice President, Food Safety, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs for Loblaw Companies Limited.

To date more than 375 participants from across Canada and 17 countries around the world have successfully completed the training with 170 currently enrolled. Throughout these years the feedback has been glowing.

“This course has received phenomenal feedback by past participants,” states Bill Lachowsky, who coordinates the online training program. “After completing the program, up to 90 per cent of participants said they had improved their food safety knowlege and that they would recommend the program to their co-workers.”

“I am thrilled that anyone in the world can now benefit from the program. The fact that professionals can learn cutting edge knowledge from their own home or office according to their own schedule is such an advantage,” explains Lachowsky. “Participants will also get to virtually network with food industry professionals from around the world and discuss issues and trends. This is a big opportunity for industry professionals.”

Lachowsky says the program has been designed specifically for professionals and staff working in food safety, quality assurance, production and management.
Topics included in the program are:
• Regulatory Affairs
• Risk Analysis
• Incident Management
• Social Media
• Raw Materials & Finished Product Specifications
• Allergen Management
• Plant Layout
• Foreign Matter Prevention & Detection
• Shelf Life & Challenge Studies
• Listeria Monitoring and Control
• Nutrition & Labelling
• Validation & Verification

For more information on the program visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/foodscience/guelph-food-academy