Food Safety and Quality Management (Postharvest Technology) – (M.Sc.)

Access to a secure supply of safe food is a human right. Everyone who is involved in food production, processing, sale and service has a role in ensuring that the food that reaches consumers plates will not be a hazard to human health. National Food Control systems are designed by governments to ensure the existence of a safe food supply chain and promote good health of national populations. Studying this programme, students will understand how food legislation interacts with science-based tools to manage the production of a safe and wholesome food supply. For example, many countries around the world requires that food control systems and businesses follow a risk based approach and use Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) to ensure the production of safe food.

Quality Management Systems (QMS) are used to assure the quality and safety of products. The use of a QMS will ensure that all aspects of a business are working efficiently and cost effectively. A documented system will provide a competitive advantage, which can increase marketing and sales opportunities, this will help a company gain new customers as well as retaining existing business. By working within a QMS the whole workforce will be involved which improves communication, morale and job satisfaction. The ISO 9001-2008 standard is a guide for the establishment of a quality system. It is not prescriptive, but allows managers to design and implement a quality management system appropriate for their business needs.