FMI Selects Food Safety Training Provider

Food Marketing Institute (FMI) has chosen Alchemy Systems to develop and provide online training courses for the Arlington, Va.-based trade organization's SafeMark food safety programs for retail associates.

With the release of the FDA Food Code in December 2013, all SafeMark training programs will be refreshed and released over the next few months. FMI will continue to provide printed training materials directly, while Austin, Texas-based Alchemy will handle the completely rewritten online courses. The updated certification examination from the National Registry for Food Safety Professionals is anticipated by this fall.

"Alchemy's knowledge and expertise in food safety, along with their innovative training methods, will allow FMI to provide the best possible comprehensive food safety training to the retail food industry," said FMI VP of Food Safety Programs Hilary Thesmar. "Alchemy's products delivered over 8.3 million training events last year to hundreds of thousands of food workers, so they understand how to communicate efficient, effective and lasting training messages."

"FMI's leadership in the area of retail food safety is unparalleled," added Alchemy CEO Jeff Eastman. "FMI's SafeMark program is the only food safety initiative developed by retailers, for retailers. FMI members have been very helpful in suggesting enhancements for this next generation of online courses, such as significant upgrades to the graphics and the interactivity, and the ability to provide customization for volume purchasers."

Customized Courses

FMI and Alchemy collaborated on customizing the online courses while still meeting jurisdictional approvals. Volume purchasers have the choice of incorporating their chains' logos and color schemes, as well as to feature call-outs for chain-specific policies that exceed the code’s minimum requirements. This customization enables associates to learn not only what’s necessary to pass the exams, but also how their companies are working to boost quality and safety above the guidelines.

The SafeMark publications and online courses that will be available in English and Spanish include the SafeMark Guide to Food Safety: Manager Certification Training; SafeMark Food Safety Fundamentals for Food Establishments: Manager Certification Training; and SafeMark Quick Reference: Food Safety for Food Handlers.