HU to Offer New Quality Assurance Training Sessions for Food Production Industry

Feb. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology has expanded its partnership with NSF International, the leading global provider of public health and safety risk management solutions, by introducing new quality assurance trainings throughout 2012 for the food production and manufacturing industry.

The University will expand its offerings in Food Safety & Quality Assurance by adding Introductory and Advanced HACCP courses, Internal Auditing and Allergen Awareness trainings. Additionally, the University will make some courses available online using a ‘dual-delivery’ format so individuals can attend class in Harrisburg, or participate from anywhere there is an internet connection.

The expanded program offerings and delivery methods address the growing importance of food safety programs and increased regulatory requirements.

“With new state and federal regulations, companies need to keep their staff up-to-date on procedures that will not only help them compete in the marketplace, but will ensure the safety of the products they sell, ” says Dr. Eric Darr, Executive Vice President and Provost. “By partnering with NSF to offer training, consulting and auditing certification, we help the food production and manufacturing industry satisfy customer and regulatory needs as well as ensure that processing companies have skilled and properly trained quality assurance staff.”

The training also supports the marketplace through global compliance to regulatory standards including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA.) This partnership can assist suppliers by providing greater access to markets. By partnering with NSF International, HU can leverage the diverse knowledge and experience of a network of trainers, whose expertise spans a variety of food production environments and globally recognized certification standards such as SQF, BRC and FS22000.

The trainings are hosted by the University’s Food Science and Technology Center, as part of its workforce development mission to serve Central Pennsylvania’s food production economy.

Dual delivery uses web-based technology and the assistance of an instructional producer, to allow remote participants to interact with the instructor and with peers in a live, online version of the class. Online facilitated group discussion, group exercises and dialogue with the trainer, in addition to the convenience and cost-savings of eliminating travel, are among the benefits of dual delivery.

The first online session will be offered June 22, on Principles of Internal Auditing. Upcoming March class offerings include “Pre-HACCP; Introduction to Food Safety” and “HACCP Manager Certification.”

Complete information about the trainings and how to register is available online at www.HarrisburgU.edu/FoodSafety or by calling 717.901.5190.

NSF International is an independent public health and safety organization that writes standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwideand operates in more than 120 countries. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment and was voted ‘Training Center of the Year’ by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI.).

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University offers 24 undergraduate and 35 graduate programs. The University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email, Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

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Established in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution.