Essential Plant Hygiene for the Food & Drink Industry

Course Overview

This course will take place in 2025, with the exact date to be finalized. The course is designed to provide operations personnel, technical staff, project managers, quality control and assurance hygienists, and other relevant stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective plant hygiene practices in the food and drink industry.

Course Content

The course will cover the following topics:

• What is Essential Plant Hygiene?
• Why is it Important?
• What do I need to know?
• Plant Hygiene, Area cleaning and COP principles
• Safety and environmental aspects of plant hygiene & area cleaning
• Cleaning Definitions
• What is Clean
• Prerequisites for successful cleaning /requirements
• Factors influencing cleaning
• Segregation and incident management (Maintaining the perimeter)
• Types and Methods of Cleaning
• Full wet cleaning – Foam, lance, sluice
• Controlled wet cleaning – Equipment/Environmental (critical zones-Micro risks)
• Dry cleaning – the war on water
• Foaming – the choice for cleaning open plant
• Cleaning Chemicals – Detergents and Disinfectants
• Detergents /Disinfectants / Sanitisers
• Selection and Modes of action
• Efficacy and compatibility
• Factors affecting disinfection/correct conditions
• Cleaning monitoring and procedures
• Frequency
• Scoping
• Job plan/Sop's and performing the task
• The end result (Post requisites)
• Post cleaning verification and audit proofing
• Common issues and summary
• The life cycle approach

Target Audience

The course is suitable for operations personnel, technical staff, project managers, quality control and assurance hygienists, and other relevant stakeholders who operate and manage dairy, food, drinks, and related plants. It would also be useful for R&D and NPD staff who develop new products or are planning new investments in plant and hygiene equipment.

Benefits of Attendance

Upon completion of the course, participants will have a thorough understanding of plant hygiene principles and practices, including safety and environmental aspects, cleaning definitions, types and methods of cleaning, cleaning chemicals, and monitoring and procedures. Participants will also learn about the life cycle approach to plant hygiene and how to implement effective cleaning practices in their own facilities.

Trainers

The course will be delivered by experienced trainers, including Nial Mullane and John Creedon, who have extensive experience in the food and drink industry.

Cost

The cost of the course is €400 per participant. Partial funding may be available from Taste 4 Success Skillnet for eligible participants.

Registration

For further information, please contact Clair Hoare, Special Projects Manager, Food Industry Training Unit, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, University College Cork.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.