Food regulations state that food business operators are required to ensure that food handlers receive appropriate supervision and instruction/training in food hygiene in-line with their work activity. This should enable them to handle and produce food safely. Food businesses wishing to achieve a 'very good' rating should encourage staff to complete regular refresher training and have evidence of all training completed.
Types of training
There are many types of food hygiene training available for food handlers and supervisors wishing to improve their knowledge of food safety. Most food hygiene training courses can be easily completed online.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and The Charted Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) offer a variety of courses related to food safety. To find out more, visit:
Online food safety training | Food Standards Agency
Food safety | CIEH training programmes
Please note that we do not approve or recommend any individual training company or provider.
Food Hygiene Training
What level of qualification is right for me?
Level 1 courses
Programme aimed at those who handle low risk wrapped food only, or those who have just started work as part of an induction programme. The content of these courses is similar to what has been called the Essentials Of Hygiene in the Catering Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice.
Level 2 courses
Programme aimed at anyone who handles and/or prepares unwrapped or high-risk foods. These courses are not sufficient for food business operators or managers who need training in the HACCP principles.
Level 3 courses
Programme aimed at food handlers who have a supervisory role. The course will include an introduction to the HACCP principles but may not be sufficient for candidates to conduct an analysis of a complex food preparation process.
Level 4 courses
Programme aimed at food business operators and managers. The candidate may be required to undertake a workplace assignment such as produce HACCP procedures for their business.
Food Allergen Awareness Training
Ensuring you control food allergenic ingredients can be a matter of life and death, therefore it is essential that you and your staff understand how to provide the necessary information to consumers with such allergies or intolerances and know the risks of allergen cross-contamination as well as the necessary controls. For more information visit our webpage where you will find information for consumers and businesses: Do you know your allergens?
There are a variety of allergen awareness materials available to read and view, including free online training provided by the Food Standards Agency (6 modules) and a course test. Use the link below to access the training: Food Standards Agency food allergy online training
In-house training courses & workshops
At present we do not provide regular food hygiene training. However, upon request we will consider delivering training workshops for small groups, for example food allergy workshops, sessions related to specific guidance such as the 'E.coli O157 control of cross contamination', support relating to implementing the Safer Food Better Business Pack (SFBB). Sessions will be delivered by an Inspecting Officer, so you can be sure that the right support is provided.
For more information see: What's on the menu?(southkesteven.gov.uk)
Alternatively e-mail us at: healthy@southkesteven.gov.uk