A new e-learning initiative which will allow food industry workers to complete a two-and-a-half hour crash course on food safety and hygiene on the Internet was revealed today.
The project was launched today by Minister for eGovernment Tom Kitt, employers group IBEC and the Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) after a successful pilot program in meat firm Kepak in Dublin last November.
The course aims to provide basic food hygiene training for food industry workers like food handlers, suppliers and contractors.
It was developed in conjunction with Teagasc - The National Food Centre and FÁS eCollege and is supported by the European Union under the European Social Fund.
It is delivered through an internet-based eLearning platform; allowing participants to study and learn at their own pace and can be completed in two-and-a-half hours.
"This is an excellent innovation enabling companies to provide an in-house, very practical and very flexible training facility for the staff of companies working in the food sector," Mr Kitt said.
"As eGovernment Minister I welcome any initiative that enables staff and business to overcome practical barriers to training and upskilling, and that does so in such an efficient and user-friendly manner."
Dr Louise Sullivan, FDII executive said: "The course is time-efficient for companies and user friendly for staff, especially those who are not regular computer users."
The course covers six distinct areas including food hygiene practice, causes and prevention of food spoilage and personal hygiene. Users answer multiple-choice questions at the end of each unit before they proceed to the next section. A certificate of completion for each student is also provided at the end.