Food Safety in Retail

EU and UK regulations state that all food handlers must receive appropriate training in food safety practices relevant to their duties. However, having a good understanding of food safety practices is not only a legal requirement, it is also essential in protecting the health of both consumers and food handlers.

The Food Safety for Retail is a regulated and nationally recognised qualification designed for those working, or planning to work, in a food retail environment such as: supermarkets, corner shops or premises with hot and chilled food display counters.

Successful candidates will develop a strong understanding of the importance of food safety, including correct food handling practices and measures to reduce the risk of contamination.

Topics covered include:

• The importance of food safety
• Food safety laws
• Legal responsibilities of food handlers
• Types of contamination and the associated risks
• Bacteriology
– Food poisoning
– Foodborne illnesses
• An introduction to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
• Personal hygiene
• Design of premises and equipment
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Waste disposal
• Pest control
• Safe food handling practices including time and temperature controls
– Cooking & reheating
– Chilling
– Cooling
– Freezing
– Hot holding
– Displaying food
– Temperature measuring devices
– Core temperatures
– Food preservation
– Storage
• Stock control procedures

Certificate = 3 years
Duration = 6 hours