Food Microbiology Workshop

Purpose of Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to provide basic food microbiology training to those individuals working in testing laboratories but have no formal training in microbiology. 
The workshop provides an excellent training program for individuals involved in food microbiology testing at all levels from the bench to lab supervisors and directors.

The Food Microbiology Workshop provides training in the basics of microbiological testing methods commonly used by the food industry - such as detection, enumeration, isolation, and identification of pathogens.

The workshop is delivered in both the classroom and laboratory environments and includes fundamental principles, demonstrations, and hands-on sessions covering general microbiology and pathogen detection. Attendees will acquire an understanding of the methods used to isolate important spoilage and indicator microorganisms along with a variety of techniques utilized for food-borne pathogen detection.

The workshop also provides curriculum on the ecology of microorganisms and pathogens in foods, and what measures are used to prevent their growth. The importance of using validated testing methods will be discussed during the workshop.

Benefits of Attending

This professional development and educational opportunity will allow attendees to understand and conduct basic microbiological tests on food, including meats, processed food, raw commodities, and ingredients. They will gain confidence in their laboratory skills and in the interpretation of results, and be able to make critical decisions on testing methodologies.

Session Topics

• Microbial ecology and control of growth
• Pathogens – Gram-negative
• Pathogens – Gram-positive
• Spoilage and indicator organisms
• Probiotics and lactic acid bacteria
• Basic and advanced microbiological/molecular techniques for isolating, quantifying,  and detecting microorganisms
• Microbial limits – what are they and what do they mean?
• Sanitation Verification
• Environmental Monitoring
• Future Forecast
• Hands-On Laboratory Sessions
• Rapid Pathogen Detection Equipment Demonstrations provided by Industry Equipment Companies

All sessions subject to change.

Dates & Location

May 20-22, 2025

The workshop will be conducted at the Food Innovation Center on the University of Nebraska Innovation Campus, 1901 N. 21^st Street, Lincoln, NE.

Attendees are responsible for their own hotel reservations.

The Nebraska Innovation Campus features the Scarlet Hotel, which is located less than 1 block from the Food Innovation Center.  The hotel features several restaurant options and a coffee shop along with many other amenities.

Scarlet Hotel
2101 Transformation Drive
Lincoln, NE  68508
531-300-6300
www.scarlethotelnebraska.com

In addition, the Scarlet Hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the Lincoln airport. Attendees can also make arrangements with the hotel for free shuttle service to and from the Lincoln Haymarket area each evening for dining and shopping.  The location and services provided by this hotel will allow you to visit Lincoln without needing to rent a car or utilize a taxi.


 

Fee

The fee for this 3-day workshop, which includes lunch and break refreshments each day and workshop materials, is $1,400 per person.

Nebraska companies/individuals may be eligible for funding assistance through Nebraska Workforce Development. Please visit the following website for additional information and search for Nebraska Workforce Development.

www.nebraska.gov 

All participants must pre-register. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated!  
Space is limited - early registration is encouraged.  
We reserve the right to cancel workshops if a minimum enrollment is not met.
Individuals who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or are uncomfortable working with pathogenic microorganisms should not attend this workshop.
Refunds will not be offered for canceled registrations.