Food hygiene training

An  EU Regulation requires food businesses to ensure any staff who handle food are supervised, instructed and trained in food hygiene in a way that is appropriate for the work they do. Obtaining a food hygiene training certificate (at an appropriate level for their role), satisfies a food handler’s legal obligation to undertake appropriate food safety training.

We have courses suitable for anyone who prepares or handles food or is involved in the management of such people in a catering environment.

This includes:

• restaurants
• takeaways
• bars
• cafes
• fast food outlets
• kitchens
• hospitals
• hotels
• prisons
• education establishments and home caterers.

If group bookings are required for a specific work place the course can be tailored to meet your workplaces specific advice needs.

Level 2 food hygiene training

Our most popular course is the Level 2 food hygiene training course

Subjects covered 

• food poisoning: where it comes from and how it gets into our food
• prevention: how to prevent contamination and the growth of bacteria
• the law: a brief summary of food law and how it affects you

Who should attend

• people who handle food and have had little or no previous formal training
• new staff members
• someone who has been preparing food for several years who may have picked up bad habits
• people who want to set up their own food business
• useful starting point for staff who may wish to go on to become supervisors or managers

Why attend

• to make sure staff who handle food know and understand the theory of hygienic food preparation
• the Government passed laws which require food handlers to have an appropriate knowledge of food hygiene.  The level 2 award in food safety in catering satisfies this rule for the majority of food handlers
• public concern about food poisoning has shown the importance of clean and hygienic food businesses, however, cleanliness is not enough if staff do not understand the importance of temperature control, cross contamination or disinfection
• a case of food poisoning doesn't just affect the victim, the business could lose its reputation and customers, they might even be prosecuted or sued for compensation

Examination and certificate

Candidates who pass the short multiple choice examination will receive the nationally recognised level 2 award in food safety in catering certificate.

Many food businesses display their certificates in their premises as a sign to the public of their commitment to high standards.

Level 3 food safety in catering

The Highfield level 3 award in food safety in catering (RQF) is designed to ensure that supervisors, managers (or other employees) are aware of the legislation applicable to food safety and how  to communicate the required standards to other staff. These include ensuring compliance with food safety legislation, the application and monitoring of good hygiene practice, how to implement food safety management procedures and the application and monitoring of good practice regarding contamination, microbiology and temperature control. All materials (information booklets, props for interactive learning) will be provided on the course. The food hygiene courses we provide are delivered by practising Environmental Health Officers.

On the final day there will be a multiple choice examination which will them be sent off for external marking. Successful candidates receive a Highfield certificate which is accredited under a UKAS management system.

You can see more information on the Highfield course here. 

Food allergen awareness and control in catering (level 2)

Highfield level 2 award in food allergen awareness and control in catering (RQF)This qualification is aimed at food handlers and other staff involved in food preparation and service who work within the catering industry. The objective of the qualification is to support a role in the workplace. It is designed to provide knowledge and understanding of food allergens and foods commonly causing intolerances, their characteristics and effects, the importance of effectively communicating information regarding allergenic ingredients to customers, and how staff can minimise the risk of cross-contamination from allergenic ingredients.

How long will it take to achieve this qualification

This qualification has a recommended 4 hours guided learning and is usually achieved by taking a half-day classroom-based course. There are no subject specific pre-requisites and the qualification is suitable for learners aged 14+. It is recommended that learners undertaking the qualification have a minimum of level 1 in English and maths or equivalent.

How is the qualification assessed

This qualification is assessed by an end of course 15 question multiple choice exam paper. The pass mark for the paper is 9 out of 15 questions correct (60%).

This course is suitable for those producing, selling or handling food.

Subjects covered include:

• introduction to food allergens
• allergies, intolerances and coeliac disease 
• symptoms of allergic reactions and how to respond
• allergens legislation
• food labelling requirements 
• the 14 regulated allergens
• free from claims 
• managing allergens from purchase to service 
• providing allergen information to customers

Other types of food training courses

The council also offers an accredited 6 hour food safety course for managers and staff of local businesses, a level 3 award in supervising food safety in catering course which is ideal for those who are already, or who intend to be; supervisors of food handlers within the catering and hospitality industry , as well as a food allergy awareness course to help manage the risk to peoples safety due to an increase in incidence of people who have food specific allergies.

If group bookings are required for a specific work place, courses can be tailored to meet your workplaces specific advice needs, please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page if you would like to discuss this.

Course dates in 2020

Level 1 award in food safety awareness in catering

Contact us for bookings on 020 8359 7995

Level 2 award in food safety awareness in catering 

3rd February

Level 2  food allergen awareness and control in catering

Contact us for bookings on 020 8359 7995

Level 3 award in supervising food safety in catering

Contact us for bookings on 020 8359 7995

The Level 3 award course dates in, supervising food safety in catering, are subject to change if there is low demand for bookings. A full refund will be made to customers if we cancel the course and they cannot attend a different date offered)

Food allergy awareness course

Contact us for group bookings

Course mailing list

For any courses which you would like to attend but do not currently have a date booked, please email us letting us know which course you would like to attend and we can put you on a course specific mailing list. FoodSafety@barnet.gov.uk 

Course prices

All courses are VAT exempt

If re-booking or cancellations are required, there is an associated administration charge, which if required costs 30% of the course price and there must be at least 24 hours notice given to the Food Team or the full course fee will be retained.

No refunds are given for no shows. If you need to make a change to your booking, please contact the food team on 020 8359 7995, or by emailing Foodsafety@barnet.gov.uk

Course venue

2 Bristol Avenue
Colindale
London 
NW9 4EW

Contact

For more information and to book:

• email Foodsafety@barnet.gov.uk
• call 020 8359 7995