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
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.
Curriculum
- 5 Sections
- 50 Lessons
- Lifetime Access
- 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





