If you run a food business, you are legally required to ensure food handlers are supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity.

The official guidance says people handling open food should be trained to at least food hygiene level 2 standard. It is good practice for people who handle high-risk foods or who have supervisory or management responsibilities to be trained to level 3 standard.
It is recommended that food handlers have regular refresher training at least once every three years.

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

By using an accredited course provider you can be sure that your staff are being provided with the correct information, and there is an assessment process at the end of the course to show staff understood the key elements of the training.

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 and contamination
  • Temperature control of food
  • Personal hygiene
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Pest control
  • Food premises and 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 three day course for food handlers who also work as team leaders or supervisors, and for the owners and managers of small food businesses. It builds on the basic principles of food hygiene, to provide more detailed knowledge and understanding of food production, processing, storage, transport, wholesaling, catering and 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 six day course, to equip those attending with detailed knowledge, to ensure they can oversee the hygienic and efficient operation of a food business. It is suitable for food production managers, trainers, owners and managers of medium to large food businesses, hygiene auditors and 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 265147

There are also companies that provide online training. If you use one of these, you should keep a copy of the course syllabus to show the course covered the necessary subjects, and any evidence that staff took an assessment at the end of the training process.