Official Control Sampling Training
As part of the change in regulatory approach by the Food Standards Agency in 2022, Local Authorities may now allow shellfish producers to collect shellfish and water samples, providing producers have undergone training and an agreement is in place between the two parties.
This training course shows food business operators and Local Authorities how to collect, process and transport shellfish samples for official controls purposes in accordance with Official Controls Guidance and our informal Occupational Standard.
Key Features
- This course is suitable for operators of depuration centres and similar shellfish businesses. Staff from Local Authorities such as Environmental Health Officers may also benefit from attending.
- Learners who actively participate will receive a Seafish attendance certificate.
Information about the course
- It is a half-day training course delivered via Microsoft Teams.
Course content
The course focuses on seven areas:
- The purpose of official control samples
- The need for consistency in the sampling methodology
- The collection of the samples
- The storage of the samples
- The dispatch or transportation of samples
- The collecting, recording and validating of appropriate information
- The impact that other events can have on sampling and how to record and report these.
Course costs
This course costs £150 (no VAT) per person to attend. If a UK seafood business is attending, they may be eligible for a 50% subsidy.
Pre-requisites to study this course
There is no formal pre-requisite, but it is advised that an agreement in principle from the Local Authority for industry sampling to occur should be sought before booking a place on the training course.
Attendees may also benefit from completing a Bivalve Purification training course prior to attending this course.
Further information and to book a place on the course
For further information or to book a place on the course, please email the Onshore Training team: onshore@seafish.co.uk.