Midlands Area Representative Eddie Brennan has recently completed a Management of Food Hygiene Course certified by the National Hygiene Partnership (NHP). Course Overview Participants of this course gain the knowledge and skills necessary to formulate and implement a comprehensive Hygiene Management System. Candidates also gain an in-depth knowledge of the good practices required in their food operations and skills to assist implement them.

The core content of this course covers 12 main areas:

1. Basic Microbiology;
2. Food Borne Diseases and Food Poisoning;
3. Hazard Analysis/Critical Control Points;
4. Food Purchasing and Storage;
5. Food Preparation and Cooking;
6. Holding, Display and Service Guidelines;
7. Food Preservation;
8. Personal Hygiene and Safety;
9. Legislation;
10. Design and Construction of Food Premises and Equipment;
11. Control of Insects and Rodents;
12. Cleaning and Disinfection.

Participants also gain the knowledge and skills necessary to formulate and implement a comprehensive Hygiene Management System.

This certified programme has been developed by the National Hygiene Partnership. It forms an integral part of a national drive to improve food safety standards within the food sector and it meets the requirements of the FSAI level 3 guidelines in food safety skills for management. The course is designed to enable the food sector to conform to new legislation, the various E.U. directives and the Irish Standard IS 340 – 1994.