UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's 2002 Food Microbiology Short Course focusing on "Detection and Control of Foodborne Pathogens" will be held May 15-17 at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel on the University Park campus.

Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences, the course is for food scientists and technologists, small food processors and plant managers and others working with food microbiology issues.

"The course will offer a basic understanding of the ecology of microorganisms in foods," says Hassan Gourama, associate professor of food science and short course co-chair, "including detection, enumeration, isolation and identification of such threats as E. coli 0157:H7, listeria, salmonella and mycotoxins. Instructors will cover the latest developments concerning foodborne pathogens and how they may be managed in a food plant environment under current regulations."

Wednesday morning sessions present an introduction to microbiology and foodborne pathogens and the role of detection methods in setting up an effective food-safety system. Wednesday afternoon sessions include detection of salmonella, listeria and E. coli 0157:H7, and laboratory sessions on basic food microbiology techniques.

Thursday's sessions will focus on setting up an in-house microbiology laboratory; detection techniques for fungi, mycotoxins and other demonstrations; and hands-on exercises. Friday's instruction includes a preview of future detection methods and an overview of current regulations regarding foodborne pathogens.

To request registration materials and a detailed schedule, call 814-865-8301, or visit the Conferences and Short Courses Web site at http://conferences.cas.psu.edu. For more information on conference content, call Hassan Gourama at (610) 396-6121. A registration fee of $350 includes all workshops, instructional materials, breaks and lunches.

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EDITORS: Contact Hassan Gourama at (610) 396-6121.

Contact: Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-865-1068 fax