CART How Long Does a Food Hygiene Certificate Last?
Food hygiene in the workplace
Keeping up to date with food hygiene qualifications is essential for those working in catering or managing a kitchen. In this article, we address commonly asked questions about food hygiene certificates, including when they expire, whether they need to be renewed, the required level of certification, and more.
How long does a food hygiene certificate last? Food hygiene certificates, including those at level 2, unofficially expire after three years. Most organisations and training providers within the food service sector will insist you take your food hygiene certificate every three years to maintain up-to-date hygiene and food handling knowledge required for your job.
Read on to learn more about why food hygiene certificates expire and how often they need to be renewed to ensure a kitchen's continued safety and hygiene.
Food hygiene certificates at level 2 and higher don’t officially expire. However, most reputable training providers will put a three-year expiry date on them. This is because what you learn on the course is unlikely to stick with you after five years, and you certainly won’t be aware of the latest best practices for food hygiene after that long either.
Whilst it isn’t a legal requirement, the Food Standards Agency recognises the importance of refreshing your knowledge occasionally, which is why they suggest retaking your certificate once every three years. Level 2 food hygiene courses only take hours to complete, so your refresher can be done within an evening or over a few lunch breaks. Retraining at a higher level may take longer, so if you are a manager or supervisor, taking a refresher course at level 2 can still be helpful if you are short on time!
Over time, your knowledge of food safety may become less in-depth, and it is unlikely that you are informed of the latest best practices. In rare cases, poor hygiene standards can result in serious illness, which is why retraining every three years is essential. We’ve outlined more benefits below: It ensures that knowledge is fresh in your mind, introduces new legislation and policies, and improves the general quality of your hygiene and food handling. Recent certification dates are more appealing to employers.
Food hygiene training and certificates can be obtained and renewed through reputable training providers, with training available in either in-person or online formats. If you choose to complete a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, the modules will be delivered for a few hours. Modules typically cover the following topics found in the national curriculum: Personal and Kitchen Hygiene, Risk Assessments and Control Measures, Temperature Control, Cross-Contamination Risks, and Avoiding Food Hazards. Once you have completed the course material, you may be asked to sit an exam (this may be done after each module). If you pass, you will be awarded a renewed Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene. If you’re looking for a certified training provider to renew your Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate, why not choose HSE Docs? With all our accredited courses readily available online, you can access all content wherever you are and gain a nationally recognised certificate in just a few hours! Follow the link above to access the course, or contact our team for more information.
Although a certificate isn’t required by law, a food hygiene certificate helps demonstrate to authorities that you are following the correct procedures according to food hygiene standards. You should look to gain a food hygiene qualification if you work in the following establishments: Restaurants & Cafes Pubs & Hotels Event Catering Food Vans & Delis Schools, Hospital, or Care Home Kitchens If you are on the lookout for more information surrounding food hygiene at level 2, you may enjoy one of our recent articles. In the post linked, we explain the rules you should follow, the consequences if you don’t follow food hygiene regulations, and how to qualify for Food Hygiene Level 2.
There aren’t clear rules on the level of food hygiene certificate you need; however, EC Regulation 852 states that your level of food hygiene training must correspond to your job role. An example of a restaurant might look like this:
| Job Role | Training Level |
| Front of House & Wait Staff | Level 1 |
| Porter & Assistants | Level 2 |
| Line Cooks | Level 2 |
| Kitchen Managers & Supervisors | Level 3 |
| Restaurant Owners or Ops Managers | Level 4+ |
Food handlers, whether working in a restaurant, food truck, or other equivalent setting, do not have to have a certification in food hygiene. However, it is legally required to be ‘adequately trained’ in food health and safety matters. This is demonstrated best through a formal qualification. However, it can also be shown through on-the-job training, self-study, or relevant industry experience.
If you’re looking for a reputable training provider for Food Hygiene at Level 2, look no further than HSE Docs. Our Level 2 Food Hygiene training course is delivered entirely remotely, allowing you to qualify from anywhere. If you have any questions about our training solutions or need advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.
Our courses are ideal for those seeking to gain a nationally recognised certification quickly and cost-effectively. Explore online training solutions for Diversity & Inclusion, First Aid at Work, and DSE Health & Safety. All online health and safety courses follow national training guidelines.
