NOW AVAILABLE: Enteric Viruses Control Specialist Program
The Enteric Viruses Control Specialist certificate program is designed for berry growers, frozen fruit processors, and re-packers who perform work in growing, harvesting, and processing produce.
Participants who complete the five course certificate program will be formally recognized as an expert, designated to control Enteric Viruses within their facilities.
This certificate program is based on the Enteric Viruses Control Program, devised by the AFFI Frozen Fruit Working Group encompassing five core areas: good agricultural practices (GAPs), facility/processing operations, worker health and hygiene, water management, and waste management.
Program course and topic areas include:
How Norovirus and Hepatitis A virus can be transmitted
The symptoms of Norovirus and Hepatitis A virus
How to prevent the spread of Norovirus and Hepatitis A virus
How employees can prevent the spread of Norovirus and Hepatitis A virus
The steps growers, producers, and processors can take to prevent the spread of enteric viruses among employees to food
The water source risk assessment process
The importance of agricultural water source testing
The significance of water quality for irrigation purposes, washing harvested produce, and processing
The significance of water used in processing produce
The importance of cleaning and sanitizing tools and equipment
The importance of cleaning vehicles used to transport harvested produce
The importance of hygienic conditions during storage
The role of field/farm inspection in relation to waste management and evidence for at-risk activities.
Harvesting criteria in relation to waste management.
Maintaining hygienic conditions in packing and processing areas.
Cleanup procedures for bodily fluids.
Procedures for the disposal of waste.
The courses can be taken independently. That may be helpful for focusing training on certain groups of food employees. However, only after all five courses are completed, can the Enteric Viruses Control Specialist program certificate be issued.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Enteric Viruses Control Specialist certificate that is valid for three years and will be formally recognized. Participants may also request a letter be sent to their CEO or supervisor upon completion of the Enteric Viruses Control Specialist Program.