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What is a food safety certificate?

What is the difference between food Safety training courses, and which one do you need?

Food safety courses are also known as food hygiene courses, but rest assured, they are both the same thing, and their official name is food safety. But what is a food safety certificate?

In essence, a food safety certificate acknowledges that an individual has completed training on handling, cooking, and serving food safely. It demonstrates knowledge of hygiene principles like handwashing, safe storage, and preventing cross-contamination.

This certification ensures compliance with local regulations and industry standards for businesses and individuals, reducing foodborne illnesses and protecting consumers. It also enhances employability and builds customer trust in safe food practices.

You must consider your job role and daily tasks to determine what food safety certificate you need.

So the real question is:
What is a food safety certificate that's suitable for your job role?

According to EC Regulation 852, your training should correspond to your job responsibilities, so:

Food Hygiene Level Guide
Front of House & Wait Staff Level 1
Porter & Assistants Level 1
Line Cooks Level 2
Kitchen Managers & Supervisors Level 3
Restaurant Owners or Ops Managers Level 4
 

Each course level builds on the previous one. If you work as waiting staff, you need at least Level 1 training, but higher-level courses are also acceptable. Since the courses are valid for three years, we recommend considering if your job role will change during this time, as this may help you choose the most appropriate course for you.

The differences between the different levels of food safety training lie in the increased content. Level 1 training covers the principles that all food handlers need to know. Level 2 training includes everything in Level 1 and additional training specific to line cooks. Level 3 covers everything in Level 2, plus extra training about planning, scheduling, and recording safety data related to kitchen management, safety and maintenance.