The post degree training of the veterinary hygienist.

Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 states that each stage of production- from the primary production to the processing and distribution of feed and food- must be considered as a unique process, as each stage has a potential impact on food safety, animal health, plant health and environment. Aim of this paper is to discuss the different instruments and objectives of post-degree training of the veterinary hygienist and the ways that these may enable him/her to become updated, informed and competent in order to manage the different problems of food production in relation to the implications of the total food chain and not only of single stages and to apply the proper control measures at each step in order to protect human health.