UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A series of short courses, "Prerequisites for Food Safety and Security," will be offered by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, June 7-11 at the Penn State Berks campus in Reading.

The series consists of two consecutive short courses: the Food Microbiology Short Course on June 7 and 8 and the Sanitation Short Course, June 9 11.

The Food Microbiology Short Course is a mixture of theory, demonstrations and practical sessions on the fundamentals of food microbiology and food safety. Created for anyone who needs to increase their knowledge and skills in basic food microbiology and food safety, the course is intended for food production, quality assurance and quality-control professionals.

Attendees at the two-day short course can learn about spoilage and about pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms in the food industry. They also can discover basic and advanced techniques for isolating and quantifying microorganisms that pose public health risks.

Short course sessions include "Basic Microbiology," "Introduction to Food-borne Pathogens" and extensive lab sessions. Day two builds upon day one; however, participants can sign up for either day.

The Sanitation Short Course is a comprehensive, three-day program on sanitation practices in food processing plants. Lectures, as well as lab and problem-solving sessions focus on methods and techniques for controlling pathogenic microorganisms, spoilage factors, plant and equipment design, and ways to get food production workers involved in and committed to the plant's food safety and sanitation program. The course is designed for food processing and handling personnel (including packers, processors and distributors), as well as sanitation and quality-control professionals interested in the latest sanitation technologies. Participants can learn the latest methods and technologies in cleaning and sanitizing, as well as sanitation equipment design and maintenance. They also can learn what regulatory agencies and auditors expect from food processors today.

Course sessions include "Microbiological Principles of Sanitation," "Fundamentals of Cleaning and Cleaning Compounds," "Excluding and Eliminating Pests," and "Integrating New Biosecurity Standards into Your Sanitation Program."

RRegistrations for both short courses will be accepted until May 15. For information on Food Microbiology Short Course content, contact Hassan Gourama at 610-396-6121 (e-mail hxg7@psu.edu) or Catherine Cutter at 814-865-8862 (e-mail cnc3@psu.edu). For information on Sanitation Short Course content, contact Luke LaBorde at 814-863-2298 (e-mail lfl5@psu.edu) or Catherine Cutter.

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EDITORS: For information on course content, contact Catherine Cutter at 814-865-8862 or by e-mail at cnc3@psu.edu, or Luke LaBorde at 814-863-2298 or by e-mail at lfl5@psu.edu.

Gary Abdullah Office 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877