FBMFCM-Food Control Management

Module Provider: Food and Nutritional Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: nikos.mavroudis@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding as to how food control systems adopted by both food businesses (including key elements of quality management systems) and by national food control authorities (including legislation/standards and their management) provide consumers with safe and quality foods.

The main topics considered in detail in this module are:

• Quality management systems in the food supply system and, in particular, food manufacturing and retailing.


• Key components of food legislation and standards with particular focus on aspects relevant to the UK, the EU and international activities.


• National and international food control systems considering, in particular, the systems for enforcing food legislation and standards.


• Statistical methods in food quality assurance

Aims:

The module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding as to how food control systems adopted by both food businesses (including key elements of quality management systems) and by national food control authorities (including legislation/standards and their management) provide consumers with safe and quality foods.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• assess the value of the various food quality management systems used and be able to participate in the establishment and application of the systems for the production and distribution of safe and quality foods. 


• identify and operate appropriate statistical process control techniques to food production processes.


• demonstrate knowledge of key food regulation and identify the legal requirements  imposed on the food industry so as to support regulatory compliance and consumer protection policies

Additional outcomes:

The module will also:

• enhance a student's ability to use the Internet for information


• enhance presentational skills


• provide an opportunity for group working


• build confidence in contributing to discussion and meetings


• increase ability to work under pressure

Outline content:

The following topics will be covered during the module:

•  Quality: concept of quality, quality assurance and quality control, statistical methods in food quality assurance, specifications, auditing, quality management documentation, quality management systems (including ISO 9001, 9004 and 22000; BRC Global Standard; GFSI).


• Auditing and Crisis Management: by the use of role-play exercises, a deeper understanding of auditing and crisis manage ment within the food industry will be provided.


• Statistical methods in food quality assurance: use of statistical control techniques for assessing the conformance of processes and products to specifications will be based on recognised international standards.


• Legislation: An introduction to national food control including a study of the legal framework in the United Kingdom, the European Union and international approaches (including the Codex Alimentarius Commissi on and the World Trade Organisation).


• Specific legislation topics: Key topics in food legislation will be discussed. These are likely to be selected from food labelling, novel foods, hygiene issues and food additives.

Global context:

The topics covered in this module are of global interest and most elements will be relevant and have application in the food industry and in the national food control systems of any country in the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module consists of a mixture of formal lectures, seminars internet-based course material, role-play exercises and student presentations.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One written exam 2hrs long

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Labelling Task: Autumn Term, Week 11

Formative assessment methods:

Oral presentation autumn term Week 9

Statistics Task: autumn Term, Week 10

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of coursework 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books:


2. Specialist equipment or materials:


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:


4. Printing and binding:


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification:


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 4 April 2020