FPEN 312: Current Issues in the Food Industry

Objectives: To introduce students to topical issues within the food industry. To identify and discuss constraints within the traditional food processing industry and explore opportunities for improvement.

Description: The course will introduce students to the structural organisation and scope of the food manufacturing industry in Ghana, including the formal (SMEs) and the informal or cottage food industries.  It will present an overview of the food industry and technological progression as well as highlighting current and main challenges. Interlinkages and relationships with regional and global food industries will be reviewed. Discussions will cover the application of basic food quality management systems, hygiene, sustainable food processing, product quality, consumer perceptions of processed foods, management of food waste and market competitiveness. Students will have an opportunity to identify and select a real challenge within the industry and propose innovative solutions using appropriate engineering design principles.

(IFPRI)Washington, D.C.