Learn food safety with online courses and programs
What is food safety?
Food safety encompasses a wide range of practices and precautions aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that the food we consume is safe. It involves the entire food supply chain, from production and processing to distribution, preparation, and consumption.
At its core, food safety is about minimizing the risk of foodborne diseases caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical contaminants that can make people sick. It is a shared responsibility involving governments, producers, retailers, and consumers.
Key principles of food safety include: cleanliness, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, safe food handling, proper storage, and traceability, in order to track the source of potentially contaminated food products. It is important that everyone involved in the food supply chain, from producers to consumers, understands and follows food safety practices.
Browse online food safety courses
Food safety course curriculum
Food safety courses can introduce learners to a variety of essential concepts and practices to ensure the safe handling and preparation of food. Topics that may be covered in a food safety course include:
Foodborne illness prevention: Build a foundational understanding of the common causes of foodborne illnesses, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and learn how to prevent them through proper food handling, storage, and cooking techniques.
Personal hygiene: Review the importance of good personal hygiene practices, including handwashing, wearing appropriate attire, and avoiding behaviors that can introduce contaminants into food.
Safe food handling: Learn the steps for safely receiving, storing, and transporting food to prevent cross-contamination and maintain food quality.
Hazard analysis: Discover a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety hazards at various stages of food production and distribution.
Food safety regulations: Take a deep dive into food labeling requirements, legal compliance, and consumer protection rules and regulations.
Learning about food safety can supplement your knowledge of public health or nutrition. edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying these topics, as well as a host of other disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.
Explore food safety jobs
Food safety is a crucial aspect of the food industry, resulting in many different job roles dedicated to ensuring the safety of food products. These include:
Food safety inspector: Inspects food establishments, processing facilities, and farms to ensure they comply with food safety regulations and standards.
Food safety manager: Develops, implements, and oversees food safety programs and practices within food establishments such as restaurants, food processing plants, and supermarkets to maintain a safe environment and prevent foodborne illnesses.
Food microbiologist: Studies microorganisms in food and beverages to assess the quality and safety of food products by conducting microbiological testing.
Food safety trainer: Develops and delivers training programs to food handlers, chefs, and employees in the food industry. They teach proper food safety practices, hygiene, and compliance with food safety regulations.
Food safety consultant: Provides guidance and recommendations to food businesses on how to improve food safety measures, comply with regulations, and reduce risks associated with foodborne illnesses.
Are you ready to build the knowledge you need to make a career jump into a new industry? Start your learning journey today with edX.