How long is a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors valid for?

While Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors does not technically run out, it is best practice to renew it every three years. However, we at Virtual College are constantly updating our courses to keep up to date with food hygiene, legislation and guidance, therefore some organisations encourage retaking each year.

What can I do with a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate?

This Level 3 Food Hygiene course is suitable for managers and supervisors in all types of catering establishments, including restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, fast-food outlets, takeaways, mobile food trucks, kitchens, hospitals, schools and colleges. This course ensures that you comply with regulations by providing learners with detailed knowledge of food safety principles.

Do I need Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene course?

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene online training is required for anyone who works in a catering, manufacturing, or retail setting where food is prepared, cooked, and handled. A Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene course is recommended for anyone responsible for managing people in a food business. There are four Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Courses: Supervisors, Catering, Manufacturing and Retail. It is recommended that all food premises should have at least one person trained to Level 3 in Food Safety and Hygiene - particularly if they are in charge of other staff and are responsible for the training of those staff.

Do I need Level 2 or 3 food hygiene?

Level 3 Food Safety training is aimed at supervisors, managers, or business owners working in the food industry. As for Level 2, it would also apply in a variety of settings including catering, manufacturing, and retail but to those with a responsibility for a team of people. See our guide here.

How long does Level 3 food hygiene last?

A level 3 food hygiene certificate is valid for three years from the date of completion. In order to maintain knowledge and standard, it's important to complete refresher courses within this time period.

How long does food safety level 3 take to complete?

This Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors RoSPA Assured course has an estimate of 8-9 study hours. The course is self-paced so learners decide how fast or slow the training goes.

What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 food hygiene?

Here are the main differences between food hygiene certificate levels: Level 1 is for people working with food but not directly preparing it. Level 2 are for people helping to prepare food. Level 3 courses are for owners, managers, and supervisors. See our training packages here.

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Level 3 Food Hygiene Course for Supervisors

Limited time only 20% price reduction was £99 now £79

Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors is a RoSPA Assured course tailored to anyone who manages or supervises food handlers. In this Level 3 Food Safety Training Course you will learn how to develop and maintain an effective HACCP system, how to define food safety hazards and hygiene risks as well as how to prevent them, and how food law applies to your premises.

This course was reviewed and updated on 7th March 2024

Course Overview

Format

Level 3
8-9 Study Hours
Online Study
Self-Printed and Posted Certificate

Accreditation

8-9 CPD Hours
Meets UK / EU Food Handlers Training Requirements
RoSPA Assured

Course description

The Level 3 Food Hygiene online course is suitable for anyone who is involved in the management or supervision of food handlers within a food environment.

Need someone to oversee food safety in your business? Every food business should have at least one person with Level 3 Supervising Food Safety in Catering, particularly if they're managing and training your team.

Looking for specific food hygiene courses? We also offer Level 3 Food Hygiene for Supervisors in: Manufacturing | Catering | Retail.

Those in a role where they supervise or manage others working with or handling food are recommended to complete a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene course.

As a business owner or supervisor, you have a duty to comply with the provisions of Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs, the Food Safety Act 1990, and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2005.

This Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate for Supervisors course satisfies a food handler’s legal obligation to undertake appropriate food safety training, as well as building on the safety principles explained in the Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene course. A sound knowledge of the latest food safety principles, as well as the senior duties within a food setting, will help to improve the quality of any products or services produced by your business.

This Level 3 Food Safety Course is aimed at any business striving to achieve a 5* rating under the national hygiene rating system. Boost knowledge, confidence and understanding and receive a high quality certificate to demonstrate training has taken place. Some of the areas covered by this course include:

How food law applies to your premises
What a supervisor does in catering
Why a HACCP plan is important
Implementing internal food safety measures

The Level 3 Food Hygiene material is provided in an interactive format that is designed to be engaging and accessible. A basic knowledge of food hygiene will mean learners progress quickly, but the Level 3 Food Hygiene training course is designed for anyone working in the service or hospitality sectors and should be suitable for any staff member to give them the knowledge needed to work effectively and safely.

What does this Level 3 Food Hygiene course cover?

To help develop an in-depth knowledge of food safety and hygiene, this Food Safety Level 3 online course provides interactive content which is split into the following chapters:

Module	What it includes
Introduction	An overview of food hygiene terminology, why food safety and hygiene is important, food contamination, food borne illness and the benefits of good food safety practices.
Food Safety Hazards and Contamination	The different types of hazards, contamination and their sources including microbiological, microorganisms, cross-contamination, allergens, physical hazards, chemical hazards and acrylamide.
Microbiology	There are several different types of microorganisms which are reviewed here including mould, yeast, viruses, protozoa and bacteria. The module also covers the different types of bacterial growth, spores and toxins as well as how to destroy microorganisms, temperature control and microbiological testing.
Food Borne Illness	What the main food borne illnesses are, the affects of them and the three main categories. There is also several interactive challenges to improve knowledge on this section.
Understanding Food Law	Food law is extremely important and this module explains why it exists, the responsibilities placed on people, who enforces it and the penalties for failing to comply with it.
The Role of the Supervisor	What a food supervisor, team leader or middle manager does, their key activities, monitoring and control methods, auditing and reviewing systems and how to get the best of your staff and what instructions and training they need.
Food Safety Management HACCP	A look at HACCP which is required by food hygiene regulations for all food premises. There are interactive challenges too which are designed to improve HACCP knowledge.
Food Preservation	Food preservation techniques including packaging and the causes of food spoilage.
Food Storage and Temperature Control	Best practice food storage methods for chilled, frozen and ambient temperatures. Other important food storage procedures including ordering, deliveries, receipts, date marking, stock rotation, product specification, cooking, cooling, packing, distribution, display, reheating and service are covered.
Personal Hygiene	The importance of personal hygiene, personal responsibilities, hazards, handwashing, hand drying, hand disinfection, the use of gloves, nail hygiene, personal appearance, personal habits, protective clothing, first aid, reporting illness and injury and legal considerations.
Workplace and Equipment Design	The best ways to design workplaces and equipment choices to help with the avoidance of bacterial contamination, cross-contamination, physical contamination and chemical contamination.
Cleaning and Disinfection	The benefits of keeping the workplace clean and why it is so essential to the safe and smooth running of all food premises.
Pest Control	The hazards posed by pests, how to avoid and infestation can be reduced and how to deal with infestations should they occur. The module covers common pests, the signs of infestations, environmental control, eradication methods, waste management, the role of pest control contractors and internal and external waste control.

Who should take this Food Safety Level 3 course and why?

The Level 3 course is ideal for anyone in a supervisory or management role within the food industry. While many students will have completed Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene, this is not a prerequisite for taking the Level 3 course.

The course is suitable for induction, refresher, or foundation training and can be completed entirely online, eliminating the need for disruptive off-site training sessions.

It is recommended everyone working with or handling food has a Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate, we offer Level 2 Food Hygiene for: Catering | Manufacturing | Retail | Drinks Manufacturers.

The Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene course can be used either as Induction, Awareness, Refresher or Foundation Training, making it a highly flexible choice. It also demonstrates that your organisation is dedicated to educating its staff by delivering first class Level 3 Food Hygiene training without the need for off-site learning or disruptive classroom sessions.

Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Training Outcomes

By the end of this Food Hygiene Level 3 online course, learners will:

Understand their role in the supervision of food handlers when it comes to food safety and hygiene
Be able to define food safety hazards, hygiene risks and understand how they may be prevented and controlled
Recognise the importance of thorough preparation and cooking of food to eliminate dangerous viruses and bacteria
Understand how to prevent food-borne illness, and the impact of this from a personal and a legal responsibility
Know how to develop and maintain an effective HACCP system
Know how to preserve food safely and hygienically
Understand how to keep premises and equipment clean
Know how to control contamination through safe temperatures and storage
Know how to ensure that staff keep a good standard of personal hygiene
Understand how to keep the workplace hygienic and safe for food preparation, cooking and storage

Compliance with food safety legislation

This Food Safety Level 3 training fully satisfies the legal requirements set out in:

EU Regulation 852/2004 on food hygiene
The Food Safety Act 1990
The Food Hygiene Regulations 2005

The course content has been specifically developed to:

Meet Environmental Health Officer (EHO) guidelines
Align with Industry Standards established by People 1st
Fulfill the requirements of the Sector Skills Council for Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism

As a supervisor or manager completing this course, you will receive training that enables both you and your business to demonstrate compliance with current food safety legislation. The certification provides evidence to regulatory authorities that you have received appropriate training in food safety supervision, which is a legal requirement for food businesses.

The course ensures you understand your legal obligations and responsibilities as a food safety supervisor while providing practical knowledge to implement compliant food safety practices in your workplace.

Your Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate

Complete a 60-question food safety assessment with a 75% pass mark required. You have six free attempts, with additional tries available through our support team.

Upon passing, you'll receive both:

An instant digital Food Safety & Hygiene certificate
A high-quality embossed Food Hygiene Supervisor certificate by post

This RoSPA Assured Food Safety qualification is widely recognised by Environmental Health Officers and food safety auditors. While food hygiene certificates don't formally expire, industry best practice recommends renewal every three years, though some employers may require more frequent updates.

Upon completing this Level 3 Food Hygiene course online, learners will be able to download a digital food hygiene certificate, which is RoSPA Assured, from Virtual College. A high quality, seal embossed, posted certificate will be sent out the following working week.

This Level 3 Food Hygiene certificate is universally recognised and can be used to provide evidence of food hygiene and safety training both internally and to external auditors.

There is no set time for how long a food hygiene certificate level 3 is valid for, but the accepted industry standard is for food hygiene certificates to be renewed every three years. However, some employers may require you to renew your certification more frequently than this.

This course is not a formal RQF food safety & hygiene qualification, the levels only indicate the type of course so that businesses can choose whom it is suitable for.

You will learn

Effectively supervise food handlers in maintaining safety and hygiene standards

Identify and control food safety hazards and hygiene risks

Implement and maintain a HACCP food safety system

Prevent foodborne illness while meeting legal and professional responsibilities

Who is it for?

Roles including:

Senior Managers

Senior Bar Managers

Senior Hotel Managers

Senior Café Managers

Senior Takeaway Managers

Business Owners

Head Chefs

Team Leaders

Supervisors

Anyone supervising or managing others handling food

Legislation

If you’re working in the hospitality or service industry as a supervisor, you will need to comply with the latest food and hygiene regulations. This Level 3 Food Hygiene course is designed to help you comply with EU Regulation 852/2004, which requires food businesses to ensure that any employee who handles food is fully trained in food hygiene and for you to be able to train or supervise others within the industry. The contents of this course were developed in accordance to the Environmental Health Officer's guidelines, and also adhere to the Industry Standards set by People 1st and the Sector Skills Council for the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism industries.

Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors FAQs

How long is a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors valid for?

While Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors does not technically run out, it is best practice to renew it every three years. However, we at Virtual College are constantly updating our courses to keep up to date with food hygiene, legislation and guidance, therefore some organisations encourage retaking each year.
What can I do with a Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate?

This Level 3 Food Hygiene course is suitable for managers and supervisors in all types of catering establishments, including restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, fast-food outlets, takeaways, mobile food trucks, kitchens, hospitals, schools and colleges. This course ensures that you comply with regulations by providing learners with detailed knowledge of food safety principles.
Do I need Level 2 or Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene course?

Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene online training is required for anyone who works in a catering, manufacturing, or retail setting where food is prepared, cooked, and handled.
A Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene course is recommended for anyone responsible for managing people in a food business.
There are four Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene Courses:
Supervisors, Catering, Manufacturing and Retail.
It is recommended that all food premises should have at least one person trained to Level 3 in Food Safety and Hygiene - particularly if they are in charge of other staff and are responsible for the training of those staff.
Do I need Level 2 or 3 food hygiene?

Level 3 Food Safety training is aimed at supervisors, managers, or business owners working in the food industry. As for Level 2, it would also apply in a variety of settings including catering, manufacturing, and retail but to those with a responsibility for a team of people.
See our guide here.
How long does Level 3 food hygiene last?

A level 3 food hygiene certificate is valid for three years from the date of completion. In order to maintain knowledge and standard, it's important to complete refresher courses within this time period.
How long does food safety level 3 take to complete?

This Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene for Supervisors RoSPA Assured course has an estimate of 8-9 study hours. The course is self-paced so learners decide how fast or slow the training goes.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 food hygiene?

Here are the main differences between food hygiene certificate levels: Level 1 is for people working with food but not directly preparing it. Level 2 are for people helping to prepare food. Level 3 courses are for owners, managers, and supervisors.
See our training packages here.

How the online courses work

Buy the course

When buying one of our courses, you will need to enter a valid email address which will be used to create your account with our Learning Management System – Enable – where you will take the training. We will also send your purchase receipt to this email address, and any additional courses purchased in future using the same email address will be added to your system account.
Once you have purchased a course, you will be able to send this course to other people using your system account with Enable by entering the new learner’s email address so that they may access the training and set up their own system account with our Learning Management System.
If you are not 100% satisfied with your course then we offer a 30-day, no hassle money-back guarantee. To request a refund, you should email our learner support team with your receipt stating why you would like to be reimbursed. You, or your learners, must not have completed the training in order to make a valid refund claim. Any claim made after the training has been completed will be invalidated.
Find a course

To begin searching for your online training you can click on the course category section on our website and browse through all of our training categories.
Alternatively if you already know the title of the training you’re looking for you can use the search bar located in the centre of the homepage and go directly to the course you want.
Take the course

This online course consists of a series of pages in which an instructor will talk learners through the lesson material. Pages may include supporting pictures, graphs, animation or extra sounds to help with the learning where appropriate. Some lessons will include challenges/quizzes to help learners stay engaged and interested in the material. Lessons can be taken in any order and each lesson may be paused and resumed at any stage.
The course is self-paced so learners decide how fast or slow the training goes. There is no deadline for completion but some of our courses have a test at the end to check that learners have understood the material. If the course has a test at the end then learners are required to achieve a 75% pass mark to successfully complete the course. Once learners have passed the test they are awarded a certificate, which can either be downloaded digitally or sent as a physical copy if this option was chosen when purchasing the course.
Your Certificate

Upon completion of any of our courses, learners will be able to download a digital certificate from Virtual College which will include the accrediting bodies logo where applicable, the learner's name, the title of the course and the date of completion.
If you have purchased the posted certificate option, available on selected courses, a high quality, seal embossed, certificate will be sent out the following working week after completion.