Professional Certification in Forensic Food Analysis

Programme Overview

The Professional Certification in Forensic Food Analysis offered by the Faculty of Food Safety and Quality, IGMPI, provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, analytical, regulatory, and investigative aspects of food forensics. The programme is designed to equip participants with specialized knowledge in identifying food adulteration, contamination, fraud, authenticity, traceability, and food crime using advanced analytical and forensic techniques.

The programme focuses on the detection and investigation of food adulterants, contaminants, counterfeit food products, intentional food tampering, foodborne hazards, labeling fraud, origin authentication, and supply chain traceability, including the application of molecular biology, chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, DNA-based methods, isotope analysis, and digital traceability tools.

Participants will gain practical insights into sampling protocols, analytical testing methods, forensic evidence documentation, chain of custody procedures, food fraud risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and emerging technologies in forensic food science. The course integrates global best practices, Codex guidance, ISO laboratory systems, and Indian regulatory requirements under FSSAI.

Programme Objectives

• Understand the concept and scope of forensic food analysis
• Learn analytical approaches for food adulteration and contamination detection
• Evaluate methods for food authenticity and origin verification
• Understand DNA-based, chromatographic, spectroscopic, and isotope analysis techniques
• Learn procedures for forensic sampling, evidence preservation, and documentation
• Implement food fraud vulnerability and risk assessment systems
• Understand regulatory requirements for food investigation and compliance
• Develop analytical and investigative capabilities for food crime detection
• Learn digital traceability and blockchain applications in forensic food systems
• Apply forensic science principles to food safety and authenticity investigations

Programme Structure

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Module 1: Introduction to Food Forensics and Food Crime

Concept, scope, principles, and importance of forensic food analysis

Module 2: Food Adulteration, Contamination, and Fraud Detection

Detection of intentional and unintentional adulteration and contamination

Module 3: Analytical Techniques in Forensic Food Analysis

Chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, rapid detection kits, and advanced instrumental analysis

Module 4: Molecular and DNA-Based Food Authentication

PCR, DNA barcoding, genomic identification, and species authentication

Module 5: Food Traceability and Origin Verification

Stable isotope analysis, geographical origin authentication, and digital traceability systems

Module 6: Sampling, Chain of Custody, and Evidence Documentation

Forensic sampling methods, evidence handling, record keeping, and reporting systems

Module 7: Food Fraud Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis

Fraud prevention systems, vulnerability mapping, and supply chain security

Module 8: Regulatory Framework and Legal Aspects

FSSAI regulations, Codex standards, food laws, and legal admissibility of forensic evidence

Module 9: Emerging Technologies in Food Forensics

AI-based detection systems, biosensors, blockchain, chemometrics, and predictive analytics

Module 10: Case Studies and Industrial Applications

Real-world case investigations involving adulteration, fraud, contamination, and traceability failures       

Eligibility

Graduates in any discipline are eligible for our Post Graduate Diploma, Executive Diploma, and Professional Certification Programmes. 10+2 pass-outs are eligible for our Under Graduate Diploma programmes, and diploma holders of two to three years course duration are also eligible for PG Diploma programmes.

Professionals from the following backgrounds will particularly benefit:

• Food Technology
• Food Science
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Agriculture
• Veterinary Sciences
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Regulatory Affairs
• Food Quality & Safety Management
• Laboratory Sciences

Programme Duration

The duration of the training is 5 days.

Programme Mode

Registration is currently open for Part-time (Online Live Classes) mode.

Programme Deliverables

• Interactive live sessions with case-based learning
• Food forensic investigation frameworks
• Sampling and chain of custody documentation formats
• Food fraud vulnerability assessment templates
• Analytical testing method guidelines
• Authenticity verification protocols
• Regulatory compliance checklist
• Laboratory reporting formats
• Industrial case studies and practical examples

Assessment & Certification

Online assessment will be conducted at the end of the programme and after successful completion; the participants will be awarded Professional Certification in Forensic Food Analysis by Faculty of Food Safety and Quality, IGMPI.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Placement Assistance & Career Opportunities

The Institute has partnered with numerous organizations for providing placement assistance to its participants. The robust placement cell comprises senior Human Resources professionals and Talent Acquisition experts who maintain close links with business and industry.

IGMPI actively promotes employability by maintaining strong relations with HR cells and recruiting managers of leading food manufacturing companies, testing laboratories, forensic laboratories, regulatory agencies, certification bodies, research institutes, and food compliance organizations across India and globally.

The placement support includes:

• Professional resume development
• Interview preparation and mock interviews
• Career guidance sessions
• Industry networking opportunities
• Placement referrals where applicable

Future Career Prospects

The Professional Certification in Forensic Food Analysis is designed to address the growing need for trained professionals in food authenticity, food safety investigation, and anti-food fraud systems.

Successful participants may pursue roles such as:

• Food Forensic Analyst
• Food Authenticity Specialist
• Food Fraud Investigation Officer
• Quality Assurance & Compliance Executive
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Food Testing Laboratory Analyst
• Food Safety Auditor
• Supply Chain Traceability Specialist
• Research Scientist – Food Authentication
• Food Entrepreneur (Authenticity & Testing Services)
• Consultant – Food Fraud Prevention & Compliance

View Prospectus

Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 14^th May 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in