For any professional activity that involves food handling, the Certificate in Food Handling is a requirement. This training that includes an updated syllabus to cover COVID-specific conditions is important to ensure knowledge of how to act during the pandemic.
The Certificate in Food Handling is a mandatory qualification for all professionals who work in sectors that involve contact with food.
Hospitality, food services, transport, nursing, care, and more – are all sectors that entail roles and functions that involve food handling.
All employees in these sectors must hold the Certificate in Food Handling, which guarantees to the health authorities that the company and its employees are trained in food safety and hygiene.
This certification is linked to current regulations on food safety, which may vary depending on the country. In Europe, apart from local regulations, there are also EU-level regulations.
- Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 29, 2004. General rules are established on the hygiene of food products in companies.
- Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 or Food Information Law. Every food operator is obliged to report the allergens that are present in their products.
- EU Regulation 2017/2158. Establishes and specifies measures to reduce the presence of acrylamide in food.
It is clear that Certificates in Food Handling are strongly linked to current and future regulations, in addition to the changes in working conditions and routines.
One of the uncertainties around the Certificate in Food Handling is whether an update is required, or a refresher course to catch up on new subjects and legislation.
Whilst the Certificate in Food Handling does not expire, there is no doubt that the regulations demand up-to-date training in food safety and hygiene for employees.
Updated training – COVID-19
The scenario posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated new safety and hygiene protocols, both for individuals and for companies.
A serious, professional and effective training leading to the Certificate in Food Handling must now include a section on “food safety and Coronavirus” on its syllabus.
The COVID modules offer essential information and data such as the following:
Information and COVID
- Origin and transmission
- Symptoms and asymptomatic.
- Permanence on surfaces.
- Transmission through food
Good Hygiene Practices
Cleaning and disinfection of facilities
Access Control to facilities
Precautionary measures
Good handling practices and prevention of cross-contamination
Holding a Certificate in Food Handling, which is updated and adapted to COVID conditions, offers employees the necessary training and knowledge to act in the most professional and safe way in their daily work, whilst also offering a maximum guarantee of health and safety, both for the company, and its clients.