Level 1 Food Safety and Hygiene Course and Certificate

This Level 1 Food Safety and Hygiene e-learning course introduces the essential principles of food safety for beginners working in environments where food is prepared or stored. By the end of the course, learners will understand key topics including food hygiene practices, hazard recognition, personal hygiene, contamination control, and basic food safety management.

Even if you don’t handle food directly, a solid understanding of food safety is vital for anyone working in the food industry. The Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 require all food businesses to operate safely—this includes staff involved with pre-packaged foods or working in support roles.

Food safety goes beyond preparation; it covers every stage where food could be compromised.

Whether you are receiving deliveries, storing products, or serving pre-packaged items, your actions play a role in maintaining safety. Issues such as incorrect storage temperatures, damaged packaging, or poor stock rotation can all result in unsafe food. Achieving the Food Hygiene Certificate Level 1 should help you understand the best way to tackle these issues.

This course is perfect for those who:

• Need to meet workplace requirements for food environment roles
• Want to progress into food handling positions in the future
• Are responsible for storing or transporting food products
• Work in retail environments selling pre-packaged foods
• Support kitchen or food preparation areas

This course is suitable for a range of learners, including those cooking at home, gaining work experience in a food-related setting, or simply looking to develop their knowledge of food handling. By completing this Level 1 Food Hygiene course, learners will understand the importance of food safety, the role of hygiene in the kitchen, and how to prevent contamination.

The material is delivered in an interactive, engaging format designed to make the content accessible and easy to follow. However, as an introductory course for beginners, it does not meet the legal training requirements for food handlers working in the catering or hospitality industry.

Choose the right Food Hygiene Training Course for you

We offer 25+ food safety courses, so you’ll be able to tailor your learning to your specific role and responsibilities. Choose the right level to ensure you meet all mandatory requirements for workers in the food and beverage sector.

Level 1 Food Safety and Hygiene - This is the right level if you’re working around pre-packaged food but not handling it directly. You’ll need a foundation of food safety basics even if you’re not involved in preparing it.

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene - This is the entry level course for anyone who works directly in food preparation or handling.

Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene - This is an intermediate course, designed for supervisors, managers and business owners who need to implement and oversee food safety procedures.

We also offer specialised versions for:

• Catering - Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering Certificate
• Manufacturing - Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Manufacturing
• Retail - Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Retail
• Drinks Manufacturers - Level 2 Food Safety for Drinks Manufacturers

From here, we offer increasingly specialised courses - like our Allergy Awareness Training - so your food safety knowledge can go as deep as you want it to.

The Food Hygiene Regulations 2006

The Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 are among the most important food safety laws in the UK, building on the Food Safety Act 1990 by placing a clear legal duty on businesses to prepare and serve food safely and hygienically. It is an offence to supply food that is unsafe or harmful to health. Receiving your Food Hygiene Certificate Level 1 should give you a clearer understanding of what this regulation means for you.

The regulations require that:

• All food businesses register with the relevant authorities
• Food is correctly labelled and meets quality standards
• Premises are designed and maintained to support good hygiene
• Effective pest control measures are in place

Please Note: Level 1 is an introductory course which is not suitable for food handlers. In order to meet legal requirements it is necessary for food handlers to complete the Level 2 (previously known as Basic) Food Safety and Hygiene Course.

Accreditation

The content of this course has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines.

Course duration

Approximately one to two hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly learners can study and absorb the material. Learners can proceed as quickly or slowly as they like.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Test and certificate

The end of course test consists of 15 multiple choice questions. Learners are required to achieve a 75% pass mark, and, if necessary, may attempt the test six times at no extra cost.

If learners do not achieve the 75% pass mark, further attempts may be given by contacting our support team.

Learners will be able to download a digital certificate on completion. This can be printed, and we suggest you keep it for your records.

What you’ll learn

By the end of the course, learners will:

• Understand food safety terms commonly used when discussing industry practice
• Understand the consequences of poor food safety and hygiene
• Know about practical activities to prevent and control hazards
• Understand why personal hygiene is so important
• Be able to keep surfaces and equipment hygienically clean

Suitable for

This Food Hygiene Level 1 course is a great introduction for those looking to work in the food environment, or those who want more knowledge on food hygiene and food safety. This can include:

• Bar workers
• Checkout staff
• Food delivery drivers
• Warehouse staff
• Front of house staff
• Waiters/Waitresses
• General grocery staff
• Shop assistants

The aim of the Food Hygiene Certificate Level 1 is to provide guidance on food hygiene safety and awareness, for anyone working in catering, hospitality, manufacturing or retail environments. This course will ensure that staff are equipped with a basic knowledge and understanding of food hygiene safety, food hazards such as allergens and best practice for food hygiene.

Food handlers or anyone working in and around food have a duty to comply with the provisions of Food Hygiene Regulations and the Food Safety Act.