OSU-FAPC Food Labeling Workshop now offered online

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center is now offering one of its popular courses, Food Labeling, to participants online.

The Food Labeling Workshop provides participants information on mandatory Food and Drug Administration food labeling regulations and other related subjects to the regulated industry, particularly small businesses and startups.

“Many of our clients are unfamiliar with the rules and regulations of developing a correct food label,” said Andrea Graves, FAPC business planning and marketing specialist. “This workshop will provide the necessary information and tools that will allow food companies to understand the criteria that needs to be used in proper product labeling.”

By having the accredited workshop available online, participants can complete the course at their own pace.

“Sometimes being able to get key employees to leave their duties of a food production facilities for just a day to go to a workshop can be challenging,” Graves said. “There is no deadline for completion of the workshop; no deadlines make completing the workshop more convenient for participants.”

The online version of the workshop includes the same topics discussed in the class, usually held in May of each year. The topics consist of mandatory label elements, nutrition labeling, nutrition and health claims and food allergen declaration.

“Food allergies are becoming more prevalent among today’s consumers,” said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business and marketing relations manager. “Consumers are more apt than ever to be label readers, and they depend on labels clearly communicating any allergens that the food product may contain.”

The course also will cover labeling of special cases and trending topics including natural, organic and gluten-free products.

Cost of the online workshop is $500 per participant. Online users will be required to pass a series of quizzes after the discussion of each topic. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.

For more information, please contact Graves by phone at 405-744-6071 or by email at andrea.graves@okstate.edu, or register online at https://ceatpd.okstate.edu/node/259.

The FAPC is part of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, which is comprised of the college of the same name and two state agencies: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station system.