Equivalent to the 'foundation' level.

Who needs this qualification?

Those who are, or intend to be, food handlers. A food handler is any person who handles food, whether open or packaged. The "food" can include drinks and ice. It also may be appropriate for those whose work requires them to enter food premises e.g. delivery personnel. The types of premises where staff need this award include: Pubs, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, contract catering, fast-food outlets, hospitals, care and nursing homes and schools.

Subjects covered

• The importance of food safety
• The characteristics of food-borne illness
• The effects of food-borne illness on consumers and food businesses
• Food safety procedures
• The importance of record keeping and suitable reporting procedures
• Legal responsibilty
• The general principles of good personal hygiene
• The importance of appropriate protective clothing
• Effective personal hygiene and hand washing procedures
• The importance of illness reporting and wound dressings
• Methods of cleaning & disinfection
• Characteristics of suitable surfaces & equipment
• Methods of waste disposal
• The importance of pest control
• The importance of stock rotation
• Prevention of contamination to delivered & stored food
• The importance of temperature control of delivered & stored food
• The nature of food safety hazards
• The types, sources, vehicles and routes of contamination
• Food preservation
• The importance of temperature control
• The safe preparation, cooking, chilling and reheating of food
• The safe holding and service of food

Outcomes

Holders of this qualification will have the knowledge and understanding of their expected behaviour as responsible individuals within food safety procedures. They will appreciate the importance of their own personal hygiene, of keeping the work areas clean and hygienic, of receiving and storing food safely, of being able to prepare, cook, hold and serve food safely and of maintaining good practice in the handling, processing and preparation of safe food.

Course Information

Duration: One day programme
Assessment: Multiple-choice examination
QCA Accredited: Yes
Prerequisite: None