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Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering
Food hygiene compliance isn’t optional; it’s the law. Under the UK Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2013, every food handler must be trained to Level 2 standard. This CPD-accredited course gives Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Catering and Food Retail Staff the knowledge and certification to handle food safely, maintain five-star hygiene standards, and protect every customer they serve.
Overview
What You’ll Learn
Identify key food hazards, including biological, chemical, physical, and allergenic.
Prevent cross-contamination during food preparation and service.
Control bacterial growth with safe cooking and temperature monitoring.
Apply correct cleaning, sanitising and disinfection techniques daily.
Follow UK food safety law and understand core legal duties.
Implement HACCP principles in routine catering operations.
Store, chill, defrost and reheat food using safe methods.
Maintain personal hygiene and meet fitness-to-work standards.
Overview
Every employer in the food sector must ensure their staff are trained to the Level 2 standard. It’s a legal requirement under the UK Food Safety Act 1990 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2013. Our Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering course teaches you the legally required knowledge to handle food safely, protect consumers from harm, and qualify for employment across the entire UK food industry.
Our CPD-Accredited Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering course teaches you to prevent cross-contamination, control temperature danger zones, manage HACCP systems, and maintain the hygiene standards Environmental Health Officers inspect for. You will learn to identify dangerous bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli, implement safe food storage practices, and confidently maintain a five-star hygiene rating in any setting.
Our industry recognised Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety course is ideal for Chefs, Kitchen Assistants, Restaurant and Takeaway Staff, Food Retail Workers, Catering Staff, Food Manufacturers, Delivery and Packaging Operatives, and anyone who handles food as part of their daily role. Whether you are just starting out or renewing your certification, enrol today in our Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering course, get certified, and protect every customer, colleague, and kitchen you work in.
Key Highlights:
- Fully aligned with the RSPH and CIEH Level 2 Food Safety Curriculum.
- Meets UK and EU legal requirements for food handlers.
- Covers bacteria, hazards, contamination, allergens, HACCP and safe food practices.
- 100% online, self-paced learning accessible on any device.
- CPD-accredited certificate offered upon successful completion.
Gift Courses
- Course 01: Restaurant Management
- Course 02: Kitchen Cleaning Skills
What is Food Safety and Hygiene England Regulations 2013?
The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 legally require all food businesses to ensure staff are “appropriately trained in food hygiene matters.” This isn’t optional. Employers who allow untrained staff to handle food face prosecution, unlimited fines, and business closure.
Environmental Health Officers enforce these regulations through unannounced inspections. Businesses found with untrained staff, poor hygiene practices, or food safety violations receive zero-star ratings, closure notices, or criminal prosecution.
Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety certification proves legal compliance. Without it, you cannot legally work with food in the UK, and employers cannot legally hire you. The regulations exist because untrained handlers cause outbreaks that hospitalise customers and destroy businesses.
Accreditation & Recognition
Our CPD certified Level 2 Food Hygiene and SafeFood and Hygiene Level 2 coursety course is aligned with recognised UK food safety standards, giving learners and employers confidence in its quality. Our comprehensive Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 follows trusted Level 2 frameworks and meets the legal expectations required of food handlers in catering and hospitality.
- CPD accredited and globally trusted certification.
- Based on RSPH and CIEH Level 2 food safety frameworks.
- Compliant with FSA guidance and UK food hygiene regulations.
- Delivered 100% online for flexible, accessible study anywhere.
- Includes instant-marking multiple-choice assessment for quick completion.
- Offers CPD certificate with an optional printed copy available as well.
Assessment & Certification
Our industry standard Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 course includes a simple online assessment designed to build confidence while ensuring you understand essential food safety requirements. Your CPD-accredited Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety certificate is recognised by UK catering employers, Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), and aligns with FSA-compliant food safety regulations.
- Online multiple-choice exam taken at your own pace
- 60% pass mark with unlimited free retakes
- Instant exam results through automatic online marking
- Order a digital CPD-accredited certificate upon successful course completion
- Optional hardcopy certificate available for £24.99 only
- Recommended refresh period: every three years
Who This Course Is For
This Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering course is ideal for anyone who handles, prepares, cooks or serves food within the UK catering and hospitality sector. Whether you’re new to the industry or a food handler looking to meet legal food safety requirements, our Food and Hygiene Level 2 course can be your key to unlocking excellent hygiene ratings.
- Chefs, cooks and kitchen assistants
- Catering and hospitality staff across all settings
- Takeaway, café, restaurant and pub workers
- Supervisors and managers overseeing food safety practices
- Food truck, street food and mobile catering operators
- Childcare, school and education catering staff
- New starters entering the food industry
- Anyone required to meet legal Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety standards
Career Opportunities & Progression
Completing this Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering course strengthens your employability across the UK hospitality sector. This Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety course meets the legal expectations for most food-handling roles and provides the essential foundation for progressing into higher-level food safety training, supervisory positions and specialist qualifications.
Typical roles and salary ranges include:
- Kitchen Assistant: £18,000–£22,000
- Catering Supervisor: £20,000–£25,000
- Chef de Partie: £23,000–£28,000
- Takeaway or Café Supervisor: £20,000–£26,000
- Food Safety Officer (with further training): £28,000–£35,000
Why Study with Royal Open College
Royal Open College provides trusted, employer-recognised food hygiene training designed around real catering environments and UK food safety law. Thousands of learners choose our CPD-accredited Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety course each year to build confidence, meet legal obligations and gain practical skills used daily across the hospitality industry.
- CPD-accredited and fully compliant with UK food safety law
- Recognised by UK catering and hospitality employers
- 100% online, flexible, accessible and affordable
- Valuable certification with transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Expert-developed content with ongoing learner support
Enrol now and earn your CPD-accredited Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety certificate. Study online at your own pace and meet UK legal food safety requirements with confidence.
Training You Can Trust
CPD Group Member
As proud members of The CPD Group, every course carries CPD hours to log, helping you meet annual CPD requirements while building your expertise.
RoSPA Member
Our RoSPA membership means course content shaped by the UK leading accident prevention experts, helping you spot hazards and keep your workplace safe.
Association of Healthcare Trainers
As an AoHT member, Royal Open College aligns healthcare training with current industry practices to support learners entering care professions.
UKRLP Registered
Royal Open College is UKRLP registered, allowing learners and organisations to verify our provider status through the national learning provider register.
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 50 Lessons
- Lifetime Access
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering19
- 1.1Module 01: Introduction to Food Safety
- 1.2Module 02: Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and HACCP
- 1.3Module 03: The Principles of HACCP
- 1.4Module 04: Legislation Regarding HACCP
- 1.5Module 05: The Seven Principles of HACCP – Part One
- 1.6Module 06: The Seven Principles of HACCP – Part Two
- 1.7Module 07: Food Safety in Catering
- 1.8Module 08: Management of Food and Beverage Operations
- 1.9Module 09: Allergens in Food
- 1.10Module 10: Food Poisoning and other illnesses
- 1.11Module 11: Contamination
- 1.12Module 12: Microorganisms
- 1.13Module 13: Non-bacterial Food Poisoning
- 1.14Module 14: Temperature Control
- 1.15Module 15: Checking, Verifying, and Recording Temperatures
- 1.16Module 16: Food Preservation
- 1.17Module 17: Food Spoilage and Food Storage
- 1.18Module 18: Personal Hygiene
- 1.19Module 19: Cleaning
- Order Your Certificate!1
- Leave a Review!1
- Restaurant Management13
- 4.1Module 02: Customer Service Excellence in Hospitality
- 4.2Module 01: Introduction to Professional Waitering
- 4.3Module 03: Restaurant Setup and Table Service Basics
- 4.4Module 04: Taking Orders and Menu Knowledge
- 4.5Module 05: Beverage Service and Bartending Basics
- 4.6Module 06: Food Handling, Safety, and Hygiene
- 4.7Module 07: Advanced Table Service Techniques
- 4.8Module 08: Dealing with Payments and Billing Procedures
- 4.9Module 09: Teamwork and Collaboration in Restaurant Service
- 4.10Module 10: Understanding Different Dining Experiences
- 4.11Module 11: Handling Special Situations and Emergencies
- 4.12Module 12: Professional Growth in Waitering
- 4.13Module 13: Leadership and Supervisory Skills for Senior Waiters
- Kitchen Cleaning Skills16
- 5.1Module 2: Health and Safety in Cleaning
- 5.2Module 1: Introduction to the Cleaning Industry
- 5.3Module 3: Cleaning Techniques and Methods
- 5.4Module 4: Cleaning Chemicals
- 5.5Module 5: Workplace Cleaning
- 5.6Module 6: Floor Cleaning and Maintenance
- 5.7Module 7: Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
- 5.8Module 8: Window and Glass Cleaning
- 5.9Module 9: Washroom Cleaning
- 5.10Module 10: Kitchen Cleaning
- 5.11Module 11: Cleaning for Different Industries
- 5.12Module 12: Infection Control
- 5.13Module 13: Reducing Waste and Energy Consumption
- 5.14Module 14: Customer Service and Communication
- 5.15Module 15: Supervision and Management in Cleaning
- 5.16Module 16: Cleaning Standards and Procedures
FAQs
A Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering course teaches food handlers how to prepare, cook, store and serve food safely under UK food safety law and FSA guidance. Our Food and Hygiene Level 2 course covers hazards, contamination, temperatures, allergens, cleaning and HACCP to ensure legal compliance in catering environments.
You do not legally need a specific Food and Hygiene Level 2 certificate, but staff must be trained to Level 2 competency under UK food safety law. Our Food and Hygiene Level 2 course meets expected industry standards and helps employers demonstrate compliance to Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) during inspections.
Anyone who handles, prepares or serves food in cafés, restaurants, takeaways, pubs, hotels, food trucks, schools or care homes needs Level 2 food hygiene training. This includes chefs, cooks, kitchen assistants, waiting staff and supervisors working in UK catering environments.
The Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate has no official expiry, but most UK employers recommend renewing it every three years to stay updated with food safety law, allergen regulations and best practices such as temperature control and cross-contamination prevention.
Our Food and Hygiene Level 2 course typically takes 2–4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Because it’s fully self-paced and online, you can finish it in one session or spread it out across several days using any device, including mobile and tablet.
Yes, this Level 2 Food Hygiene course is fully CPD accredited and meets recognised UK industry standards. CPD accreditation ensures employers and EHOs accept the training as valid evidence of competency for food handlers working in catering and hospitality.
Yes, the certificate offered with our Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety course is recognised by UK catering employers and Environmental Health Officers because it aligns with the RSPH/CIEH Level 2 syllabus and the Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, providing clear proof of legal food handling training.
The course covers contamination, food hazards, foodborne illness, safe cooking, temperature control, safe storage, allergens, cross-contact, personal hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, pests, HACCP and UK food safety legislation to help food handlers meet legal requirements.
Yes, you receive an instant digital CPD-accredited certificate immediately after passing the exam, with the option to order a printed hard copy for a small fee if required for workplace records or EHO inspections.
The assessment is an online multiple-choice exam with instant results. Learners can retake the test unlimited times at no extra cost, making it easy to achieve Level 2 competency and meet UK catering training expectations.
Yes, the course is fully mobile-friendly and works on phones, tablets, laptops and desktops. This flexibility allows catering staff to study anywhere, making it ideal for busy schedules or shift-based roles.
Yes, the course is suitable for complete beginners. It introduces the basics of food hygiene before progressing to legal requirements, helping new starters gain practical knowledge on hazards, temperature control, allergens and contamination prevention.
Yes, the course includes allergen awareness, including Natasha’s Law, cross-contact prevention, the 14 major allergens and safe communication with customers who have food allergies, ensuring handlers understand legal and practical responsibilities.
Yes, this certificate can help you get a job because most UK employers expect food handlers to hold Level 2 Food Hygiene training. It demonstrates legal competency, safe practice knowledge and readiness for work in catering or hospitality.
No, Food Hygiene Level 2 and Food Safety Level 2 refer to the same qualification. “Food hygiene” focuses on cleanliness and contamination control, while “food safety” also covers legal duties and operational responsibilities included in this course.
A Level 2 Food Hygiene course trains food handlers in safe food preparation, storage, and hygiene. It covers HACCP, allergen management, cross-contamination, and temperature control. Legally essential under UK food safety law, it reduces foodborne illness risks and is required for roles in catering, retail, and food production.
A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate can be completed online through a CPD-accredited provider like the Royal Open College. Courses are self-paced, taking 2–3 hours, with a CPD certificate issued upon passing the multiple-choice assessment. An optional printed certificate is available for a small additional fee, delivered by post.
A Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate is a CPD-accredited qualification for food handlers in catering, retail, and food production. It validates knowledge of safe food handling, UK hygiene regulations, and HACCP principles. Completed online with a multiple-choice exam, it suits kitchen staff, servers, and supervisors.
Level 2 Food Hygiene professionals in the UK typically earn £20,000–£28,000 per year in 2025. Salaries vary by role, location, and sector. Food safety officers and catering supervisors in London or large food manufacturing businesses often command higher pay due to stricter compliance demands.
Food safety and hygiene directly prevent illness, protect public health, and ensure legal compliance. Poor practices cause over 2 million foodborne illness cases in the UK annually. Proper training safeguards customers, reduces business liability, satisfies Environmental Health Officer standards, and builds lasting consumer trust in any food environment.
A Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification unlocks roles including kitchen assistant, catering supervisor, food production operative, café manager, and hospital or school catering staff. It strengthens any food industry CV and satisfies legal hygiene compliance requirements across hospitality, healthcare, retail food, and childcare sectors in the UK.
Level 2 Food Hygiene certificates have no official expiry date, though renewal every 12 months is strongly recommended. Many UK employers and Environmental Health Officers expect up-to-date training. Staying current ensures compliance with evolving food safety legislation and maintains your professional credibility in any food handling role.
A Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification unlocks roles including kitchen assistant, catering supervisor, food production operative, café manager, and hospital or school catering staff. It strengthens any food industry CV and satisfies legal hygiene compliance requirements across hospitality, healthcare, retail food, and childcare sectors in the UK.
A Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. Annual refresher training is recommended by industry bodies and Environmental Health Officers to keep knowledge current with UK food safety legislation and maintain workplace compliance confidently.
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Course Features
- Lectures 50
- Quiz 0
- Duration Lifetime access
- Skill level All Levels
- Language English
- Students 3788
- Assessments Yes
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