FHM-30306 Food Safety

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

TOX-20806 Food Toxicology, FHM-22306 Advanced Food Microbiology

Continuation courses:

Thesis Food Microbiology, Thesis Toxicology

Contents:

This course will provide an overview of most important bacterial-, myco-, and fycotoxins, their presence and mechanisms of toxic action, and detoxification mechanisms. Bacterial virulence mechanisms and host responses will be discussed, including interference of pathogen-host interaction with food components. The effect of processing (e.g. heating) on food safety, including survival of pathogens, formation of maillardproducts, heterocyclic amines, PAK's, and oxidation products are reviewed. Microbiological and Toxicological risk assessment will be discussed including genetic polymorfisms for detoxification in man. In addition, during the practical course experience with a range of techniques will be obtained to study the action of toxins and analyse host responses using model systems.

Aims:

Insight in the occurrence and production of a wide range of bacterial-, myco- and fycotoxins and their mechanisms of action. Knowledge of the role of preservation and processing on the occurrence of toxic compounds. Knowledge of host responses to pathogens and their toxins. Insight in differentiation in human sensitivity for these toxins, based on lifstyle factors or genetic polymorphisms. Acquisition of tools for setting up microbiological/toxicological risk-evaluations.

Activities:

The activities consist of formal lectures, laboratory classes, written and oral presentations.

Examination:

The final grade is based on a written theory examination which accounts for 70% of the grade and on written and oral presentations of the case studie (30%). An assessment of practical work will be used to round off the final grade. Furthermore, the theoretical background of the practical course can be included in the theory exam.

Literature:

Combined hand outs covering the seminars and a guide book for laboratory work will be available.