Official Control Sampling Training | Seafish

Official Control Sampling Training

A remote course that may allow shellfish producers to collect shellfish and water samples for Local Authorities, with an agreement in place.



As part of the change in regulatory approach by the Food Standards Agency in 2022, Local Authorities may now allow shellfish producers to collect shellfish and water samples, providing producers have undergone training and an agreement is in place between the two parties.

This training course shows food business operators and Local Authorities how to collect, process and transport shellfish samples for official controls purposes in accordance with Official Controls Guidance and our informal Occupational Standard.

A person collecting shellfish samples
A person collecting shellfish samples

Key Features

  • This course is suitable for operators of depuration centres and similar shellfish businesses. Staff from Local Authorities such as Environmental Health Officers may also benefit from attending. 
  • Learners who actively participate will receive a Seafish attendance certificate.

Information about the course

  • It is a half-day training course delivered via Microsoft Teams.

Course content

The course focuses on seven areas:

  • The purpose of official control samples
  • The need for consistency in the sampling methodology
  • The collection of the samples
  • The storage of the samples
  • The dispatch or transportation of samples
  • The collecting, recording and validating of appropriate information
  • The impact that other events can have on sampling and how to record and report these.

Course costs

This course costs £200 (no VAT) per person to attend. 50% funding is currently available to qualifying seafood businesses for remotely delivered online courses.

Pre-requisites to study this course

There is no formal pre-requisite, but it is advised that an agreement in principle from the Local Authority for industry sampling to occur should be sought before booking a place on the training course.

Attendees may also benefit from completing a Bivalve Purification training course prior to attending this course.

Further information and to book a place on the course

At Seafish, our aim is to create and encourage a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff. You can find out more on our Working with us webpage. So, we are also committed to ensuring that our training courses are accessible to as many people as possible by making reasonable adjustments when needed. If you would like to share any learning challenges or accessibility requirements with us before booking a place on a training course, we encourage you to do so. Any information you provide will be treated with the utmost respect and kept confidential. We’re here to support your learning and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate fully. If you’ve any questions, please email our Onshore Training Team, onshore@seafish.co.uk.

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