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Leading food testing laboratory in the city, Envirocare Labs has been declared as a study center for the world’s largest open university – Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to provide practical support to the university’s post graduate diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management.
“We provide our students counselling and lab facility for their practical training. Our experts guide the students through the programme. At present, we have 29 students enrolled for the first batch of the programme,” said Dr. Priti Amritkar, Director Quality, Envirocare Labs.
The diploma is offered by IGNOU’s School of Agriculture. Minimum duration for completion of the programme is one year and maximum is four years. Fee for the programme is Rs. 12000. The PG Diploma is intended for Graduates in Science, Agriculture, Food Science and allied disciplines contemplating a career in food safety and quality management.
It would also prove useful for professionals in food processing and quality control for strengthening their proficiency in design and implement quality management systems, undertake food auditing and implement new food act- Food Safety and Standard Act 2006. The programme shall also open new vistas for entrepreneurs who intend to diversify in food safety and quality aspects.
The programme consists of 7 courses of 4 credits each and a project work. Courses covered in the programme are food microbiology, food fundamentals & chemistry, food laws & standards, principles of food safety & quality management, food safety & quality management system, food safety & quality auditing, and chemical analysis & quality assurance.
This programme would help students for career in quality control or quality assurance in food, hospitality, retail industry and laboratories. Diploma-holders can also work as trainer and counsellor in food safety & quality management systems or start on their own as food certifying, auditing professionals.