Food Hygiene Training

What the law requires
Food legislation requires proprietors of food businesses to "ensure food handlers engaged in the food business are supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity.”

The official industry guides, which give advice on complying with the regulations, says that “ a food handler who prepares or handles high-risk open food should be trained to at least level 2 standard”.
It states that “it is good practice for those food handlers who not only handle high-risk foods but also have supervisory or management responsibilities to be trained to at least level 2 & managers to level 3”
It is also recommended that food handlers undergo regular refresher training at least once every 3 years.

Several national bodies offer accredited food hygiene training courses, including ;

  • The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
  • The Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH)

Food Hygiene Training Courses

Level 2
CIEH Award in Food Safety in Catering (equivalent to the Basic or Foundation Level Food Hygiene Certificate.)

This is a one day course designed for all food handlers. It develops understanding on the basic principles of food hygiene, to help them to improve standards and prevent food poisoning. The course covers :

  • Bacteriology
  • Food poisoning
  • Prevention of food poisoning & contamination
  • Temperature control of food
  • Personal hygiene
  • Cleaning & disinfection
  • Pest control
  • Food premises & equipment
  • Hazard analysis
  • Legal obligations

At the end of the course there is a short multiple choice examination.

Level 3
CIEH Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering (equivalent to the Intermediate Certificate in Food Hygiene)

This is a 3 day course for food handlers who also work as team leaders or supervisors, & for the owners & managers of small food businesses. It builds on the basic principles of food hygiene, to provide more detailed knowledge & understanding of food production, processing, storage, transport, wholesaling, catering & retailing, to ensure that they can carry out their responsibilities effectively. At the end of the course, candidates sit an examination.

Level 4
CIEH Award in Food Safety in Catering (equivalent to the Advanced Certificate in Food Hygiene)

This is a 6 day course, to equip those attending with detailed knowledge, to ensure they can oversee the hygienic & efficient operation of a food business. It is suitable for food production managers, trainers, owners & managers of medium to large food businesses, hygiene auditors & supervisors who want to build on their intermediate knowledge. Candidates take a written examination as part of this course.

Provided by ;

Exeter City Council : 01392 265795

Devon Adult Education Centres :
St Clare's Adult Education Centre, Fore Street, Seaton, EX12 2AN. 0845 1551014
Exmouth ACL, 10-12 Victoria Road, Exmouth, EX8 1DL. 0845 1551014

Page last updated on 25 November 2011