PREVRA Food Safety Training: What Your Staff Legally Need
Every food handler in the UK must be trained. Here is which level you need, what each course covers, and where to get certified online from £15.
Is food safety training a legal requirement?
Yes. EU Regulation 852/2004 (retained in UK law) states that food handlers must be "supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity." In practice, anyone who prepares, cooks, or handles open food needs a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate from an accredited provider. Your EHO will ask to see training records during every inspection.
Level 1, 2, or 3: which do you need?
Level 1: For staff handling low-risk or wrapped food only. Front-of-house, delivery drivers, bar staff. 1-2 hours online. £10-£15.
Level 2 (the standard): For anyone preparing, cooking, or handling open food. The minimum for chefs, kitchen assistants, and food prep workers. Covers food safety hazards, temperature control, personal hygiene, cleaning, pest control, and HACCP basics. 3-4 hours online. £15-£25. Valid 3 years. This is what your EHO expects.
Level 3: For managers, supervisors, and business owners. Covers everything in Level 2 plus implementing food safety management systems, supervising staff, and understanding enforcement. 8-10 hours. £50-£150.
For more detail, see our guides: food hygiene certificate guide and Level 2 course breakdown.
Where to get certified
Look for courses accredited by CIEH, RSPH, Highfield, or Qualifi. Popular providers include Virtual College, High Speed Training, and iHASCO. All offer fully online courses with instant certificates. Most allow you to pause and resume. Read our full SFBB training guide for how training connects to your daily records.
Prevra · Early access
Prevra is building a digital SFBB app.
The app is not ready yet. See the planned features and contact us about early access.
See planned features