We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Ivonne M.C.M. Rietjens,
Marcel H. Zwietering,
Martine Reij,
Jochem Louisse,
and
Jonathan Nicolas
Everyday reports of food scandals and recalls are published. One day it’s scary bacteria in meat, and another day it’s dangerous pesticides in fruits. According to some, meat needs to be cooked well to prevent food-borne illness while others warn not to heat food to prevent the formation of poisonous substances.
Read more
Everyday reports of food scandals and recalls are published. One day it’s scary bacteria in meat, and another day it’s dangerous pesticides in fruits. According to some, meat needs to be cooked well to prevent food-borne illness while others warn not to heat food to prevent the formation of poisonous substances.
Read more
Everyday reports of food scandals and recalls are published. One day it’s scary bacteria in meat, and another day it’s dangerous pesticides in fruits. According to some, meat needs to be cooked well to prevent food-borne illness while others warn not to heat food to prevent the formation of poisonous substances.
Many consumers worry about the conflicting and confusing messages about food hazards.
This nutrition and health course will teach you about the risk factors associated with food and give you the tools to assess and quantify the dangers they can present. You will learn about food safety, the effects of food processing, the shared responsibility in the food chain and the prevention of food poisoning. After this course, you will be able to differentiate what is a food myth and what is an actual health risk. Finally, you will gain a contemporary view of how different risks can be weighed in a scientific way.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/75mps4/nutrition
Two deals to help you save
We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
EDXCYBER24
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Overview of food hazards
- Elementary knowledge on microbiological and toxicological risk analysis
- How to better interpret the information overload about hazards in food
- Why zero hazard does not exist
- Ways to reduce hazards in food
- Overview of food hazards
- Elementary knowledge on microbiological and toxicological risk analysis
- How to better interpret the information overload about hazards in food
- Why zero hazard does not exist
- Ways to reduce hazards in food
Syllabus
Module1: Hazards and risks in the modern food chainIntroduction to the difference between a hazard and a risk, the different types of hazards present in food and the perception of risk by public.
Read more
Syllabus
Module1: Hazards and risks in the modern food chainIntroduction to the difference between a hazard and a risk, the different types of hazards present in food and the perception of risk by public.
Read more
Module 2: Interpretation of risks, probability and relevanceIntroduction to risk reporting, how ways of presenting information can mislead consumers and difference between significance and relevance.
Module 3: Microorganisms in food: good, bad and/or a nuisanceIntroduction to ubiquitous, good/bad or spoiling microorganisms.
Module 4: Qualitative and quantitative principles food safety of chemicalsClassification of risks as avoidable or unavoidable, difference between genotoxic and non-genotoxic compounds and examples of important genotoxic carcinogens present in the food chain as well as introduction to dose-response concept.
Module 5: Toxicological risk assessmentIntroduction to risk assessment framework, different ways of performing risk assessments depending on the nature of the chemical (i.e. genotoxic vs. non genotoxic) and hands on risk assessment of the food additive cyclamate and the carcinogen acrylamide.
Module 6: Microbiological risk assessmentIntroduction to contamination routes, dose-response relationship and effect of temperature on microorganisms' growth as well as sampling and legal requirements.
Module 7: Ways to reduce risks in foodIntroduction to prevention of avoidable hazard, effect of heat on hazards and inactivation as well as prevention techniques to reduce risks in food.
Module 8: Final assignment/examWrap-up.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by recognized professionals in the fields of food science, risk analysis, and nutrition, this course offers credible insights and expertise
Helps learners develop a scientific approach to evaluating food hazards and risks, empowering them to make informed decisions
Emphasizes food safety and the shared responsibility in the food chain, aligning with industry standards and best practices
Builds a strong foundation in food hazards, risk analysis, and risk assessment, which are essential skills for professionals in the food industry
Covers both qualitative and quantitative principles in food safety, providing a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment methods
Examines the latest scientific research on food hazards, ensuring that learners stay up-to-date with industry advancements
Save this course
Save Nutrition and Health: Food Safety to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Food safety fundamentals
Learners say this 8-week course covers the fundamentals of food safety and risk assessment. It's great for anyone wanting to refresh their memory or learn more about food safety, nutrition, or health. Students gave high marks to the clear, engaging videos and interactive exercises that reinforce learning. Wageningen University experts teach the course, sharing food safety and risk assessment knowledge. One downside is that some learners found the material challenging and thought the math sections could be improved.
The course's popular "Myth of the Week" segments highlight and debunk common misconceptions about food safety.
"The course materials were really great. Affording deep explanations, several examples, and all that in a fun interactive way making it enjoyable along with being informative."
"The instructors look very knowledgeable and teach in a friendly way."
Interactive exercises, ungraded quizzes, and practice questions help students test their knowledge.
"The practice in between, to check if I understood the subject was helpful."
"The explanation of the answers, was most of the time clear."
"Exercises and problems after the lessons are helpful in refreshing the knowledge learnt."
Experts in food science and risk assessment from Wageningen University deliver engaging, informative video lectures.
"Very well structured, interesting and covering lots of topics."
"The teachers are also very nice and do a great job."
"The course was definitely an eye-opener on different food hazards and risks we face everyday and how we can help ourselves by our choices of food and methods of preparation and keeping track of a hygienic lifestyle."
This well-organized course clearly defines hazards and risks and the basic principles of the modern food chain.
"The course is very relevant and content is very rich."
"This is the best food risks class i have attended. it has given more insight of different food risks, how to calculate risk, chemical threshold, types of microorganisms, allowable limits food, food spoilers, food temperature that prevents and promotes microorganisms. All these topics have changed my views on food risks and safety and this help me in implementing in my course of study."
Some learners found the mathematical sections of the course to be challenging.
"The MOOC was very informative and helpful to me since I am learning cooking right now. However, it would be good if the MOOC creators check the validity of their links every now and then."
"Very well structured, interesting and covering lots of topics.
I would have liked to spend more time on pathogenic bacteria, studying more where they are found and their risks.
Covering chemical contaminanats in more details would also be very beneficial."
"it would be good if the MOOC creators check the validity of their links every now and then."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Nutrition and Health: Food Safety with these
activities:
Review basic microbiology concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in microbiology by reviewing key concepts and principles to enhance your understanding of food safety and risk assessment.
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks from previous microbiology courses.
-
Explore online resources and tutorials on basic microbiology.
-
Attend a refresher workshop or lecture on microbiology.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course content by consolidating key concepts, notes, and other relevant materials into a comprehensive study guide.
Show steps
-
Review the course syllabus and identify the key topics and concepts.
-
Organize your notes and materials according to the course structure.
-
Summarize and highlight the most important information.
-
Include diagrams, charts, or examples to illustrate key concepts.
Explore online resources on food safety and risk assessment
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge by accessing and reviewing reliable online resources on food safety and risk assessment to supplement the course materials.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable websites and organizations that provide credible information on food safety and risk assessment.
-
Search for online tutorials, webinars, and training materials on specific topics related to the course.
-
Review and take notes on the information presented in the resources.
-
Apply the knowledge gained from the resources to your understanding of the course concepts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in online discussion forums
Show steps
Engage with your peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and clarify your understanding through active participation in online forums.
Show steps
-
Read and reflect on the discussion topics posted by the instructor or other participants.
-
Formulate your thoughts and ideas on the topic.
-
Share your insights and respond to others' comments.
-
Ask questions to clarify your understanding.
Review 'Food Microbiology' by Adams and Moss
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the microbiological aspects of food safety by reviewing a comprehensive textbook on the subject.
Show steps
-
Read and critically analyze the chapters relevant to the course topics.
-
Highlight and take notes on key concepts and research findings.
-
Compare and contrast the information presented in the book with the course materials.
-
Use the book as a reference to clarify your understanding of specific topics.
Solve risk assessment problems
Show steps
Practice solving risk assessment problems to strengthen your understanding of the concepts and principles covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Identify the type of risk assessment problem (e.g., qualitative, quantitative).
-
Gather the necessary data (e.g., toxicity data, exposure data).
-
Apply the appropriate risk assessment techniques.
-
Interpret the results of the risk assessment.
-
Communicate the results of the risk assessment to stakeholders.
Develop a presentation on a food safety or risk assessment topic
Show steps
Solidify your knowledge and communication skills by preparing and delivering a comprehensive presentation on a topic related to food safety or risk assessment.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and the course content.
-
Conduct thorough research to gather credible information from reliable sources.
-
Organize your content logically and create visually appealing slides.
-
Practice your presentation to improve your delivery and timing.
-
Present your findings to your peers or a wider audience.
Review basic microbiology concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in microbiology by reviewing key concepts and principles to enhance your understanding of food safety and risk assessment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks from previous microbiology courses.
- Explore online resources and tutorials on basic microbiology.
- Attend a refresher workshop or lecture on microbiology.
Create a comprehensive study guide
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and retention of course content by consolidating key concepts, notes, and other relevant materials into a comprehensive study guide.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course syllabus and identify the key topics and concepts.
- Organize your notes and materials according to the course structure.
- Summarize and highlight the most important information.
- Include diagrams, charts, or examples to illustrate key concepts.
Explore online resources on food safety and risk assessment
Show steps
Enhance your knowledge by accessing and reviewing reliable online resources on food safety and risk assessment to supplement the course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable websites and organizations that provide credible information on food safety and risk assessment.
- Search for online tutorials, webinars, and training materials on specific topics related to the course.
- Review and take notes on the information presented in the resources.
- Apply the knowledge gained from the resources to your understanding of the course concepts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in online discussion forums
Show steps
Engage with your peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and clarify your understanding through active participation in online forums.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and reflect on the discussion topics posted by the instructor or other participants.
- Formulate your thoughts and ideas on the topic.
- Share your insights and respond to others' comments.
- Ask questions to clarify your understanding.
Review 'Food Microbiology' by Adams and Moss
Show steps
Expand your understanding of the microbiological aspects of food safety by reviewing a comprehensive textbook on the subject.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and critically analyze the chapters relevant to the course topics.
- Highlight and take notes on key concepts and research findings.
- Compare and contrast the information presented in the book with the course materials.
- Use the book as a reference to clarify your understanding of specific topics.
Solve risk assessment problems
Show steps
Practice solving risk assessment problems to strengthen your understanding of the concepts and principles covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the type of risk assessment problem (e.g., qualitative, quantitative).
- Gather the necessary data (e.g., toxicity data, exposure data).
- Apply the appropriate risk assessment techniques.
- Interpret the results of the risk assessment.
- Communicate the results of the risk assessment to stakeholders.
Develop a presentation on a food safety or risk assessment topic
Show steps
Solidify your knowledge and communication skills by preparing and delivering a comprehensive presentation on a topic related to food safety or risk assessment.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and the course content.
- Conduct thorough research to gather credible information from reliable sources.
- Organize your content logically and create visually appealing slides.
- Practice your presentation to improve your delivery and timing.
- Present your findings to your peers or a wider audience.
Career center
Learners who complete Nutrition and Health: Food Safety will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Food Microbiologist
Food Microbiologist
Food Microbiologists study the microorganisms that are found in food. They investigate the role of microorganisms in food spoilage, foodborne illness, and food safety. This course will provide you with a foundation in food microbiology and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Food Safety Manager
Food Safety Manager
Food Safety Managers oversee the safety of food products in food processing plants, restaurants, and other food establishments. They develop and implement food safety plans, train employees on food safety procedures, and conduct food safety audits. This course will provide you with a foundation in food safety and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Food Scientist and Technologist
Food Scientist and Technologist
Food Scientists and Technologists develop new food products and processes. They research the nutritional value of food, and develop ways to improve the safety, quality, and shelf life of food products. This course will provide you with a foundation in food science and technology, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Agricultural and Food Scientist
Agricultural and Food Scientist
Agricultural and Food Scientists conduct research in the areas of food safety, nutrition, processing, packaging, or marketing. The research that they do directly translates to the creation of new food and beverage products, the development of new processes and technologies for food production, and the creation of new and more efficient ways to market food and agricultural products. This course will provide you with a foundation in food safety and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Toxicologist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of toxic substances on human health and the environment. They develop and implement strategies to prevent and control exposure to toxic substances. This course will provide you with a foundation in toxicology and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Microbiologist
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They investigate the role of microorganisms in human health, the environment, and industry. This course will provide you with a foundation in microbiology and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Food and Drug Inspector
Food and Drug Inspector
Food and Drug Inspectors enforce the laws and regulations governing the safety and quality of food and drug products. They inspect food and drug manufacturing facilities, collect samples for testing, and investigate complaints. This course will provide you with a foundation in food safety and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienist
Industrial Hygienists identify and evaluate workplace hazards. They develop and implement programs to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances, such as chemicals, noise, and radiation. This course will provide you with a foundation in industrial hygiene and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Biostatistician
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to data to solve scientific problems, often in the field of medicine or public health. They may design and conduct studies, analyze data, and interpret results. This course will provide you with a foundation in statistical methods, risk assessment, and data analysis, which you can use to develop a career as a Biostatistician.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes of disease and other health problems in populations. They design and conduct studies to identify risk factors for disease, and develop strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks. This course will provide you with a foundation in epidemiology and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Medical Physicist
Medical Physicist
Medical Physicists apply the principles of physics to medicine. They develop and use imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. They also work with radiation therapy to treat cancer. This course will provide you with a foundation in physics and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Health Educator
Health Educator
Health Educators promote health and wellness in communities. They develop and implement health education programs, and provide information on health topics. This course will provide you with a foundation in public health and risk assessment, which you can use to build a career as a Health Educator.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They also work with physicians to develop and manage medication therapy plans for patients. This course will provide you with a foundation in pharmacology and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants are health care professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and providing patient care. This course will provide you with a foundation in medicine and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
Environmental Scientist and Specialist
Environmental Scientist and Specialist
Environmental Scientists and Specialists conduct research and develop solutions to environmental problems. They study the effects of human activities on the environment, and develop ways to protect and restore the environment. This course will provide you with a foundation in environmental science and risk assessment, which can help you develop a career in this field.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/75mps4/nutrition
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Nutrition and Health: Food Safety.
Provides practical guidance on food safety for the food industry. It covers topics such as food safety management systems, foodborne pathogens, and food processing technologies.
Save
Provides an overview of food microbiology, including food spoilage and foodborne diseases. It good starting point for understanding the basics of food safety.
Provides an overview of the issues related to food safety. It good starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in food safety management.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of food safety issues, including foodborne pathogens, food spoilage, and food safety regulations. It valuable resource for food safety professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the microbiological safety of food, including the biology of microorganisms, foodborne pathogens, and food spoilage. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of food safety, including the principles of food safety, the foodborne pathogens, and the food safety regulations. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of food sanitation, including the principles of food safety, the foodborne pathogens, and the food safety regulations. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of food safety economics, including the principles of food safety, the foodborne pathogens, and the food safety regulations. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of food safety microbiology, including the principles of food safety, the foodborne pathogens, and the food safety regulations. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of food safety and quality assurance, including the principles of food safety, the foodborne pathogens, and the food safety regulations. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of food safety and quality, including the principles of food safety, the foodborne pathogens, and the food safety regulations. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/75mps4/nutrition
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Nutrition and Health: Food Safety.
The Plant Based Diet & Nutrition Masterclass
OpenCourser.com/course/wlglrh/the
The Plant Based Diet & Nutrition Masterclass
Most relevant
Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome
OpenCourser.com/course/f3fb87/nutrition
Nutrition and Health: Human Microbiome
How To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Without Dieting
OpenCourser.com/course/szlr8b/how
How To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Without Dieting
The Human Microbiome
OpenCourser.com/course/x0mva5/the
The Human Microbiome
Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes
OpenCourser.com/course/if7f39/infection
Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes
Food Fermentation: The Science of Cooking with Microbes
OpenCourser.com/course/rwac5z/food
Food Fermentation: The Science of Cooking with Microbes
The Carnivore Diet
OpenCourser.com/course/6awlmh/the
The Carnivore Diet
Vegan Cooking - Chinese & Southeast Asian Vegan & Vegetarian
OpenCourser.com/course/5jp1u5/vegan
Vegan Cooking - Chinese & Southeast Asian Vegan &...
Animals and Institutions
OpenCourser.com/course/1xcbet/animals
Animals and Institutions
Effort
6 to 8 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Wageningen University & Research
Instructors
Ivonne M.C.M. Rietjens
Marcel H. Zwietering
Martine Reij
Jochem Louisse
Jonathan Nicolas
Session
March 5, 2024
- April 22, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Taught by recognized professionals in the fields of food science, risk analysis, and nutrition, this course offers credible insights and expertise
Helps learners develop a scientific approach to evaluating food hazards and risks, empowering them to make informed decisions
Emphasizes food safety and the shared responsibility in the food chain, aligning with industry standards and best practices
Builds a strong foundation in food hazards, risk analysis, and risk assessment, which are essential skills for professionals in the food industry
Covers both qualitative and quantitative principles in food safety, providing a comprehensive understanding of risk assessment methods
Examines the latest scientific research on food hazards, ensuring that learners stay up-to-date with industry advancements
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser