This short course provides an overview of the main Hazards encountered along the food chain. Special attention will be paid to microbiological hazards (bacteria, viruses and fungal pathogens) relevant to food.

The course aims to provide a thorough understanding of the ecology and physiology of bacteria, yeasts and moulds in key food chains and the methods for detecting and controlling spoilage, mycotoxin contamination, and the use of hurdle technology for improving shelf-life. The practical work will compliment the theory covered during the lectures.

At a glance

  • DurationFive days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost

    £1,400

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you should be able to:

  • Categorise the various groups of hazards in different food chains, and appraise their relative roles and importance.
  • Identify the main bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxins responsible for food related human disease.
  • Critically appraise and apply sampling and monitoring techniques used in the microbiological analysis of food and food production facilities.
  • Critically apply the approaches presented in the module to industrial situations.

Core content

  • Introduction to food safety and the main hazard types able to enter different food chains.
  • Introduction and taxonomy of micro-organisms in food production and spoilage.
  • Food-borne pathogens and pathogenicity and natural toxins.
  • Fungal ecology: concepts, fungal contamination in different food chains (e.g., cereals, bakery, fresh produce, cured meats and beverages), heat resistant mould, mechanisms of survival and control.
  • Legislative drivers for mycotoxin control.
  • Hurdle technology: Use of ecophysiological knowledge to increase product shelf-life. Available food processing techniques.
  • Practicals/case studies.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

Cranfield credits are available for this short course which you can put towards selected Cranfield degrees. Find out more about short course credit points.

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.