FST3223: Food Toxicology

FST3223: Food Toxicology, is a core 10-credit module delivered in Year 3, Semester 2 of the Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology at the University of Rwanda, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Science. This course equips future food scientists with critical safety insights divided into two intensive units: Principles and Types of Food Toxicants and Risk Assessment and Management of Food Toxicants. In Unit 1, students explore foundational toxicological pathways, dose-response relationships, xenobiotics, natural toxins, and allergens. Unit 2 transitions into applied safety, focusing on chemical risk profiling, exposure estimation, and the implementation of international standards, regulatory frameworks, and processing controls. Combining theory with practical lab work and field insights, this module is ideal for anyone looking to master the mechanisms of food contaminants and lead evidence-based public health interventions in the global food supply chain.