One of the objectives of IUFoST is to provide opportunity for education and training to all professionals engaged in providing a safe, nutritious food supply to consumers. To that end, the IUFoST Distance Education Task Force developed a Distance-Assisted Training Programme. This programme is aimed at those involved in any way with the growing, production, processing, marketing, distribution, or preparation of food products who do not have formal training in food science and technology and desire to advance their career and enhance the quality of the food supply.

The programme is delivered to a participant through a local mentor (usually someone with an advanced degree in food science and technology or considerable industry experience). Each of the ten modules is divided into two or three levels for study and each module is taken in whatever order best suits the participant.

The modules are:

Food Safety
Quality Assurance (including HACCP)
Food Laws and Regulations
Shelf-Life of Foods (including food losses)
Thermal Processing
Dehydration and Drying
Food Freezing
Food Packaging
Practical Human Nutrition
Minimal Processing

Each subject module is offered through a Distance –Assisted format. Each participant must have a mentor in close proximity. The mentor will download a manual that is provided for each course within a module. The manual will guide the participant through the various concepts and principles on the topic as well as provide instruction on problem solving techniques (if applicable). In addition, a course administrator /instructor will be available to answer questions and address concerns via email. Assignments will be available to assess learning and will be submitted to the mentor for grading within a specified time period.

If you would like to participate as a mentor, please register here for the e-learning program. If you are a potential participant, please register here for the e-learning programme and identify a local mentor to work with you for a module. If you need assistance in identifying a mentor, please contact secretariat@iufost.org., subject line " Mentor Required".

We hope that you find the programme useful and informative, contributing not only to personal career goals but also in helping society to a safer, more secure food supply. Should you have suggestions for improvement of the programme, please send them to secretariat@iufost.org, subject: IUFoST Distance Education ideas

Sincerely,

The Distance Education Task Force

International Union of Food Science and Technology