Food hygiene online courses & training

Mastering food hygiene: Essential E-Learning courses for safe dining

In food service, hygiene isn't just a best practice—it's a legal and ethical imperative. In this blog, Rose dives into the world of food hygiene e-learning; she uncovers the critical importance of these courses in ensuring the safety and well-being of both consumers and businesses alike.

Key facts and statistics

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), contaminated food causes over 600 million foodborne illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually.
In the UK alone, foodborne illnesses result in over one million cases yearly, costing the economy billions in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
Studies show that implementing proper food hygiene practices can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses by up to 60%.

Key definitions

Food hygiene - The practices and procedures necessary to ensure food safety from production to consumption, including storage, preparation, and handling.
Foodborne illness - Diseases caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages, often resulting from improper food hygiene practices.

Relevant legislation, regulations, and best practice

Food Safety Act 1990 - The primary legislation in the UK governing food safety, which outlines responsibilities for food businesses and establishes standards for food hygiene.
Food Hygiene Regulations 2013 - Detailed regulations specifying requirements for food hygiene in various settings, including food establishments and catering operations.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) - A systematic approach to identifying and controlling food safety hazards throughout the food production process, mandated by law in many jurisdictions.

Why food hygiene E-Learning matters

Convenience and accessibility - E-learning platforms offer flexible training options that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making it easier for individuals to acquire essential food hygiene knowledge.
Cost-effectiveness - Unlike traditional classroom-based training, e-learning courses are more affordable, especially for businesses training multiple staff members.
Interactive learning - Engaging multimedia content, quizzes, and simulations enhance learning outcomes, ensuring participants grasp key concepts effectively.

Recommendations

Prioritise training - Make food hygiene training a non-negotiable component of your staff development program, ensuring all employees receive comprehensive instruction tailored to their roles.
Regular refresher courses - Are especially important in dynamic environments like the food industry, as they keep knowledge up-to-date and reinforce best practices.
Choose accredited providers - To ensure the quality and credibility of your training programs, select e-learning providers accredited by reputable institutions or industry bodies.

Conclusion

Continuous education is paramount in the ever-evolving landscape of food safety. By investing in food hygiene e-learning courses; businesses can uphold the highest standards of safety and protect their customers and their reputation. Let's join hands in fostering a culture of excellence in food hygiene, one training course at a time.

Ready to elevate your food hygiene standards? Click here to explore our range of CPD accredited e-learning courses on ComplyPlus LMS™ from The Mandatory Training Group. Ensure compliance and empower your team with the knowledge they need to excel in food hygiene practices.

About the author

Rose Mabiza

Rose has dedicated over 15 years to improving health and social care quality through practice, targeted education and training. Her extensive experience includes working with older adults, individuals with mental health conditions, and people with autism and learning disabilities.