OTA, NSF Offer Organic HACCP Training

ANN ARBOR, Mich. and BRATTLEBORO, Vt.The Organic Trade Association (OTA) and NSF Internationals Training and Education division joined to offer a two-day program titled, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for the Organic Professional." The two-day professional course provides instruction in the seven principles of HACCP and how they relate to organic certification programs, and will teach participants how to write HACCP Plans and implement HACCP in organic food environments.

The program is designed for individuals responsible for organic and food safety programs in small- to medium-sized processing facilities and those responsible for the communications messaging of the facilities. It is specifically relevant for organic and food safety program professionals, communications professionals, certifiers and inspectors.

The two-day training course will be offered March 9 and March 10, 2011, as a prequel to Natural Products Expo West 2011, in Anaheim, CA, and April 4 and April 5, 2011 in Washington prior to the OTA Spring Policy Conference and Hill Visit Days.

With the passage of the recent food safety bill and food safety issues in the news almost daily, it is imperative that organic companies understand the impact of the new legislation and invest time and resources for their employees so they may have a clear understanding of HACCP principles and how they align with organic standards," said Christine Bushway, OTAs executive director.

HACCP for the Organic Professional" participants will receive two days of instruction; the NSF HACCP Manager Training Manual, which includes the Codex Alimentarius; and a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course. The cost per person is $625.50 for OTA members and $695.00 for non-members.

 OTA is a membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others.

NSF International, an independent, nonprofit organization, certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects. Founded in 1944, NSF operates in more than 120 countries. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional NSF services include safety audits for the food and water industries, NSF Education and Training programs and organic certification provided by QAI (Quality Assurance International).