By Steven Mandernach
All retail industry partners of the Association of Food Officials are invited to take part in the Environmental Sampling Workshop training course at 2022 Food Safety Summit.
The course is designed for environmental sampling in retail food establishments to aid in outbreak investigations. Sampling tells the story of how pathogens travel through the environment and affect the host.
This workshopIt will also help retail industry participants to better understand how state- and local agencies conduct outbreak investigations including sampling.
This workshop will award six CEUs to participants. To ensure the best learning experience, class size is limited to six students.
What can participants look forward to in the Environmental Sampling Workshop
Each participant will increase their professional knowledge through real-world examples.hands-on activities. Let’s take a closer look at these areas:
- Professional Development
Learning is the best way to be a professional. How to conduct environmental sampling at retail Food stores during outbreak investigations. Professionals need to have the knowledge and skills to conduct an outbreak investigation. An effective investigation should identify the source of the outbreak, stop it from spreading, assess contributing factors, as well as determine the appropriate food and/or facility.
- Real World Examples
This workshop is full with real-life stories about outbreaks. Participants will be able to actively examine outbreaks at various locations, including a casino, sports bar, and nursing facility. They will determine whether environmental sampling is necessary, assess the outbreak using the information provided, and determine what the causative agent is.
- Hands-on Activities
These activities cover types of samples, types and methods of sampling. There are two types of samples: targeted and routine. These are factors to be aware of when sampling the environment. Participants will be able to take samples with real equipment.
Environmental Sampling Key Concepts
Participants will learn about the different types of samples and the steps involved in environmental sampling during this exciting training session. The program will address planning and preparation as well as the importance and importance of coordinating the activities and goals of the teams.
Participants will be asked to examine Communication strategies and understanding the reasons for identifying the knowledgeable contacts to support establishment management are important. The staff most familiar will organize the sample arrival timeline, estimate the number of samples required, and determine the type and amount of testing that is needed.
Participants will identify areas most susceptible to contamination during the program. The “Zone Concept” will be explained and demonstrated while participants practice their new skills while subject matter experts and trainers provide real-time follow-up and feedback. Exercises cover verification, delivery, and remediation.
Tools that participants will add to their professional toolbox are controls, shipping and drop-off procedures, as well as legal aspects of environmental sampling with an emphasis on chain-of custody. Participants will complete mock outbreak investigations, fill out laboratory chain of custody forms, take samples using real equipment, then submit the samples to the mock laboratory.
This workshop will provide tips and tricks on how to take photos, best practices for sampling documentation, best practices for sampling, and personal safety best practices when sampling.
The course will take place on May 9th, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. CST at the Food Safety Summit at Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont.
About the authorSteven Mandernach is the executive Director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials. He was the chair of the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Alliance. Mandernach holds a Juris Doctorate in Law from Drake University Law School. He is currently studying for a masters in science in food safety at Michigan State University.
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