Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs requires food business operators to make sure that any staff who handle food are supervised and instructed, and/or trained, in food hygiene in a way that is appropriate for the work they do.
This takes the form of a food hygiene course which is available at a Level 2 Award in Food Safety (equivalent to the old CIEH 'foundation Level in food hygiene' ), Level 3 (Intermediate level) and Level 4 (Advanced level).
As a guide, those food handlers who prepare open, high-risk foods should have formal training equivalent to the level 2 award. This is certified by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and the candidate will sit the CIEH examination. The course duration is one day.
The course is specifically aimed at all food handlers employed in production, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, catering and retail outlets. The training will also benefit managers, supervisors and proprietors of food businesses.
It is good practice for a business to keep records of training completed by every member of staff, to demonstrate individual levels of competence.
Where to get training
Training can also be attained by contacting the following training centres:
Further details of qualifications and training providers can be found on the following websites, including information on courses in other languages: