Microbiology for Non-Microbiologists
For the food and beverage sector
Date: 15th October 2026
Time: 09:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Teagasc Moorepark Food Research Centre, P61C996
Course fee: €450 per participant (€340 for those eligible for funding by Rural Food Skillnet)
About the course
This course is designed to help those in the food industry with little formal microbiology training to gain a better understanding of the microorganisms associated with different foods, their characteristics and their implications for food safety and food spoilage. This course will also provide an insight into the techniques used in the laboratory to test for microbes and the interpretation of laboratory test reports.
Who should attend
Those working in the food industry, including those involved in quality control, new product development and training. The course would be particularly valuable to those with responsibility for improving food quality and safety systems, e.g. HACCP.
Course Content
Module 1
- Overview of the main microorganisms of concern in food and beverages.
- Characteristics of Viruses, Fungi, Protists and Bacteria.
- How do microorganisms enter the food chain?
- What do microorganisms need to grow and survive in food?
- Food and beverage spoilage and extension of shelf-life.
Module 2
- Food poisoning and its prevention.
- Laboratory testing techniques.
- Selection of the most appropriate tests.
- Microbiological test reports and their interpretation.
- Making use of test results.
Course format & tutors
This interactive training course will be delivered through a mix of presentations, practical sessions, tutor-led exercises, case studies and Q&A sessions. It will be facilitated by Teagasc Food Microbiology experts with further input from Teagasc Food Industry Development staff and will avail of the extensive laboratory facilities of Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork.
Location & Dates
Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, P61C996
15th October 2026
Lunch & refreshments included
Course Fee
€450 per participant – discounted to €340 by Rural Food Skillnet for eligible businesses
Funding Eligibility Criteria
Skillnet Ireland funding is available to private businesses including Sole Traders based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to individuals or employees of public sector bodies.
Please complete the Registration Information by clicking the registration button above and proceed with the Pricing Option which is most applicable to you.
Data Protection & Data Processing
Skillnet Ireland and the Learning Network will comply with all applicable Data Protection Legislation in the processing of the information and personal data provided by you in this Form. To find out more about your rights, and how your data is processed, please see the Trainee Data Privacy Notice: https://ruralfoodskillnet.com/privacy/
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