Guides

Practical, plain-English guides to food hygiene and food safety in the UK.

Guides

How to Get a Food Hygiene Certificate in the UK

Choose a course that suits your role, study the lessons and pass the assessment. Here is how it works and what to check first.

2 min read

Law & compliance
Do You Need a Food Hygiene Certificate?
No UK law requires a specific certificate, but food businesses must make sure food handlers are trained or supervised. Here is what the law says.
2 min read
Law & compliance
Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate to Work in a Kitchen?
No law says you must hold a certificate to work in a kitchen, but your employer must make sure you are trained or supervised. Here is what to expect.
2 min read
Guides
What Level of Food Hygiene Do I Need?
Most people who prepare, cook or serve open food in the UK choose Level 2. See which level usually suits your role, and who makes the decision.
2 min read
Guides
Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3 Food Hygiene
Level 1 is an introduction, Level 2 is for food handlers and Level 3 is for supervisors. A plain-English comparison.
2 min read
Guides
How Long Does a Food Hygiene Certificate Last?
A food hygiene certificate has no legal expiry date, but many employers set a refresher period. Here is when to refresh your training.
2 min read
Guides
Can You Get Free Food Hygiene Training?
Yes, some is free. The FSA and Food Standards Scotland offer free guidance and allergen training. Here is what it covers and what it does not.
2 min read
Law & compliance
Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate to Sell Food From Home?
A certificate is not compulsory to sell food from home, but you must register, follow food hygiene law and be able to show adequate training.
2 min read
Industries
Food Hygiene for Home Bakers
Selling bakes from home makes you a food business. Registration, kitchen hygiene, allergens and labels explained.
2 min read
HACCP
What Is HACCP?
HACCP is a preventive way to manage food safety. The seven principles explained simply, with the packs used in each UK nation.
2 min read
Allergens
Understanding Natasha's Law
Natasha's Law requires food prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) to show its name and a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised.
2 min read
Allergens
Food Allergen Training
Food allergen training teaches the 14 allergens, cross-contact, customer requests and anaphylaxis. Here is who needs it and what it covers.
2 min read
Industries
Food Hygiene Training for Restaurant Employees
Restaurant kitchen staff often take Level 2, supervisors Level 3 and front-of-house Level 1 or 2 with allergen training.
2 min read

Guides

How to Get a Food Hygiene Certificate in the UK

Do You Need a Food Hygiene Certificate?

Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate to Work in a Kitchen?

What Level of Food Hygiene Do I Need?

Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3 Food Hygiene

How Long Does a Food Hygiene Certificate Last?

Can You Get Free Food Hygiene Training?

Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate to Sell Food From Home?

Food Hygiene for Home Bakers

What Is HACCP?

Understanding Natasha's Law

Food Allergen Training

Food Hygiene Training for Restaurant Employees