Essentials in Food Safety
Learn about the key concepts of food safety along the value chain
Introduction
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-chain (ACES) invites applications for the Essentials in Food Safety course. This self-paced online course combines theoretical and practical knowledge in food safety and cold-chain management to ensure optimal food quality and safety of cold-dependent foods throughout the value chain, from farm to fork.
The course provides foundational knowledge on key food safety concepts across the value chain, from post-harvest processes, handling, and transportation to retail and final consumption. In particular, the course explores how cold-chain systems can optimize food safety at each stage. It explains the management systems required to ensure food safety such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
Furthermore, the course raises awareness of relevant standards, regulations, and best practices in food safety. It also provides practical tools for traceability to ensure food safety throughout the entire value chain.
1 Week Course
Online-Only
[email protected]
Jean Baptiste Ndahetuye
Programme Dates
Course Fees
16th February - 13th March 2026
ACES Rubirizi Campus, Kigali, Rwanda
- Apply before 6th February 2026.
- Apply by email to [email protected]
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by February 13th, 2025
Course Description
Who should apply?
The course is open to all who are interested in advancing their knowledge of food safety and cold-chain.
Syllabus Outline
The essentials in food safety course covers the following key topics:
- Concepts of food safety and their intersection with cold-chain.
- Hygienic practices for cold storage rooms, equipment, and standards associated with them.
- Temperature management and food safety:
- Microbial growth and temperature dependence.
- Different temperature zones and (chilling, freezing, etc.) in relation to food storage.
- Temperature requirements, compliance and management for different foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, fish and meat).
- Temperature requirements, compliance and management for Ready To Eat (RTE) food in retail conditions.
- Temperature requirements, compliance and management for value-added products
- Food safety in the lens of the food system and a whole system approach to ensure food safety
- Use of cold chain as pre-requites in the application of food safety management systems, including HACCP
- Awareness of the relevant standards, regulations, and guidelines of food.
- Key concepts and tools for traceability along the value chain.
How To Apply
Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Short responses (maximum 150 words each) to the following questions:
- What experience do you have with food safety and the cold-chain?
- What specific food safety challenges do you hope to understand through this course?
- Confirmation of your commitment to do the online course from 16th February 2026 to 13th March 2026.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online by the designated deadline to ACES through [email protected], with the subject line:
“Essential in Food Safety Course Application – [ Your Name]"
Join us in advancing food safety applications and enhancing your food safety and cold-chain expertise! You will get the certificate upon course completion, which opens exciting career pathways.