The 21st Edition of the Master’s in Food Safety kicks off

Once again, the MSA counts on our support as program sponsors, alongside key food industry companies such as El Corte Inglés, Danone, EMCESA, and Makro.

On October 1st, the Official College of Veterinarians of Madrid (COLVEMA) hosted the inauguration of the 21st edition of the Master’s in Food Safety (MSA), which will run from October 2024 to June 2025 and will once again have our support among its main sponsors.
This prestigious training program, considered one of the most renowned in the food sector, is organized by the Official College of Veterinarians of Madrid in collaboration with various notable institutions such as the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Complutense University of Madrid, the Madrid Regional Health Department, and the General Council of Veterinary Colleges of Spain.
The primary goal of the MSA is to comprehensively train professionals in food safety and quality, covering everything from production to business management. Among its specific objectives, the program aims to provide students with the tools necessary to implement self-control systems based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), manage traceability and pest control, understand the most advanced food preservation techniques, and stay up to date with current food legislation. Additionally, the master’s addresses emerging topics such as pathogens and food microbiology, and focuses on environmental management within the industry.

As an engineering firm specialized in the agri-food sector, we have a strong commitment to food safety and quality. This commitment, combined with our focus on training and incorporating talent into our team, makes our support for the MSA a key and strategic aspect, both for our Engineering and Innovation Consulting areas. Thus, the MSA counts on our continued support as sponsors of the program, along with key food industry companies such as El Corte Inglés, Danone, EMCESA, and Makro.

Training in response to industry needs

In the past decade, food safety regulations in the European Union have placed great responsibility on food producers and suppliers to ensure that the products they offer are safe and healthy. Faced with this challenge, food industry companies increasingly demand professionals with specialized training in areas such as quality, food safety, nutrition, and the environment.
This master’s program stands out for its comprehensive approach, designed to provide professionals not only with technical knowledge but also with the necessary skills to effectively manage quality and food safety areas within companies. The course covers all relevant aspects of the food process, from safety at the source to production, management, quality control, and regulations, while also addressing topics such as technology, occupational risks, and the export-import of products. Additionally, this program is designed to train students in complementary areas such as food crisis management and occupational risk prevention.
“Food safety is synonymous with employability,” as demonstrated by the fact that more than 80% of students who have completed this training in the past 20 editions are working in this field, either in private companies or public administration,” said Felipe Vilas, President of the Madrid Veterinary College, during the MSA’s inauguration event. In fact, over two decades, this master’s has trained numerous professionals who now hold key positions in the food industry. One of the most notable aspects is that more than 80% of students from previous editions have secured employment in the food industry, which attests to the relevance and impact of this master’s program in the sector. Leading companies seek professionals trained in this area to join their management and operations teams.

Structure and Certifications

The MSA is structured into 19 thematic modules, combining theoretical classes and practical activities, covering a wide variety of topics such as food legislation and crisis management, water control, facility design, cleaning and disinfection, pest control, food safety at the source, traceability and labeling, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Additionally, subjects related to business management, marketing, and financial management are taught, providing a complete and holistic view of the industry.
In addition to these modules, students will attend monographic sessions and visit prominent food companies, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the industrial dynamics and the real demands of food safety. During the academic period, which extends until March 2025, students will have the opportunity to undertake supervised internships in food companies, an aspect that has been fundamental in improving the employability of graduates.
At the end of the master’s program, students will receive the official Master’s in Food Safety title, as well as the following highly valued certifications in the sector:

• Certification in hygiene-sanitary maintenance for Legionella risk facilities.
• Basic certification in occupational risk prevention.
• Certification in audits of food safety systems (IFS, BRC, ISO 22000).
• Diplomas for each of the 19 modules in the program.
  The master’s also offers the opportunity to be part of a regularly updated job pool, facilitating graduates’ job searches in an increasingly competitive market.

A Growing Program

Throughout its 20 editions, this master’s program has established itself as one of the main avenues for food safety specialization in Spain, as highlighted by Elena Andradas, General Director of Public Health for the Madrid Region, who stated that “the fact that the MSA has continued for 20 years means it has adapted to the needs of companies, making it a success story, as evidenced by the nearly 800 professionals trained during this time who are absolutely essential for companies and public administrations today.”
The program features specialized faculty carefully selected for their academic and professional background, as well as their recognized teaching ability, ensuring the success of its graduates.
The quality of the instructors, coupled with the relevance of the topics covered and the connection with the industry, have been key factors in the growing number of companies in the sector hiring its graduates.
Ultimately, the 21st edition of the MSA presents itself as a unique opportunity for professionals in the food sector to acquire the necessary skills to face the challenges of an ever-evolving industry, marked by technological innovation and increasing regulatory demands.