If you work with food in the UK — whether in a restaurant, cafe, care home, school kitchen, or food manufacturing facility — you need to understand food hygiene law and whether you need a food hygiene certificate.

The short answer: while there is no specific law requiring a ‘certificate’, food businesses are legally required to ensure all food handlers are trained in food hygiene. In practice, a food hygiene certificate is the standard way to demonstrate this.

What the Law Says

The key legislation is EU Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 (retained in UK law), which states that food business operators must ensure that food handlers are supervised, instructed, and trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activities. Additionally, the Food Safety Act 1990 makes it an offence to sell food that is unfit for human consumption.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) interprets this as meaning that anyone who handles food should have appropriate food hygiene training.

Who Needs Food Hygiene Training?

Anyone who handles, prepares, cooks, or serves food in a commercial setting should have food hygiene training. This includes:

• Chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants
• Waiting staff who serve food
• Bar staff who prepare food
• Care home staff who prepare or serve meals
• Childminders and nursery staff who provide food
• Volunteers at community events serving food
• Food manufacturing and packing workers
• Food delivery drivers who handle open food

Levels of Food Hygiene Training

Food hygiene certificates are available at different levels depending on your role:

Level 1 — Food Hygiene Awareness

A basic introduction suitable for staff with minimal food contact, such as bar staff, retail workers, or front-of-house. Typically 1-2 hours and available online.

Level 2 — Food Hygiene and Safety

The industry standard for anyone who handles food directly. Covers personal hygiene, contamination, temperature control, cleaning, HACCP principles, and food safety law. This is the level most food businesses require for their staff. Available as a one-day classroom course or online.

Level 3 — Food Hygiene for Supervisors/Managers

For kitchen managers, head chefs, and food safety supervisors. Covers everything in Level 2 in greater depth, plus HACCP implementation, managing food safety systems, and staff training responsibilities. Usually a 2-3 day course.

How Long Does a Food Hygiene Certificate Last?

Food hygiene certificates do not technically expire — they remain valid indefinitely. However, the FSA and Environmental Health Officers recommend refresher training every 3 years to keep knowledge current. Many employers require this as a condition of employment.

What About Allergen Training?

Since Natasha’s Law came into effect in October 2021, all food businesses that produce pre-packed food for direct sale (PPDS) must include full ingredients labelling with the 14 major allergens clearly identified. Allergen awareness training is now considered essential alongside food hygiene training.

What Happens During an EHO Inspection?

Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) from your local council can inspect your food business at any time without notice. They will check:

• Food handling and preparation practices
• Cleanliness and condition of premises
• Temperature records and controls
• Staff training records — they will ask to see evidence of food hygiene training
• Food safety management documentation (HACCP/Safer Food Better Business)

Not having adequate staff training can directly affect your food hygiene rating.

Food Hygiene Training in Cumbria

We deliver Level 2 Food Hygiene and Allergen Awareness training at our Penrith training centre and on-site at your premises across Cumbria — ideal for Lake District hotels, restaurants, care homes, and schools. We also offer online food hygiene courses from £15.

View our full range of hospitality training courses or contact us to arrange training for your team.