Food safety is essential in the hospitality industry, which is why a food handling certification is a brilliant addition to your existing knowledge and CV. Whether you’re preparing food or serving it, you need the skills and knowledge to do so in compliance with health and safety regulations. Whether you’re already in the industry or looking to start, a food handling certificate will give you the edge over others vying for the same role and put employers at ease, knowing they can trust you. So, how do you get a food handling certificate?
The Benefits of Earning a Food Handling Certificate
Obtaining a food handling certificate shows employers and potential employers that you are familiar with critical food safety practices and regulations. People working with food in any capacity need to know how to maintain high food safety standards in order to minimise the risk of foodborne illness. In addition, a food handling certificate can broaden your career opportunities, as businesses can only benefit from having a certified employee. A certified employee can ensure compliance with local health codes, minimising the risk of hazards and penalties or legal action.
Find the Right Food Handling Course
If you’re going to take a food handling course, take the time to find the most suitable one. Many institutions, including community colleges, vocational schools, and online platforms, offer food handling courses, but how do you know which is the right one? Firstly, look for a course that is nationally recognised and complies with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Take note of whether the course is broad or tailored to a specific sector within the hospitality industry to ensure it aligns with your career goals. Next, ensure the institution is within reasonable travelling distance, you meet the prerequisites if there are any, and the timetable suits your schedule.
Learn Theory and Practical Skills
The ideal food handling course will teach you both the theory and the practical aspects of safe food handling. You’ll need to understand aspects of food safety, ranging from allergens and foodborne illness to proper food storage and temperature control. These theoretical aspects will give you a solid foundation from which to practice the skills you will learn. Practical skills should be learnt through hands-on training so you can apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. The combination of theory and practical training is critical to developing a comprehensive understanding of the best food handling practices.
Things you should learn:
- What is food safety and why it’s important.
- How to identify food safety hazards.
- Safe food handling procedures.
- How to monitor food safety.
Complete the Assessment
On completing the theoretical and practical components of a food handling course, you will need to show the assessor what you have learnt. Assessment formats vary but should include knowledge questions and practical demonstrations. Once you have passed the course, you can collect your certificate and advance your career.
Earning a food handling certificate is vital if you want to pursue a career in hospitality that involves handling or serving food. It makes you an asset to any employer and ensures the safety of your customers. Now that you know how to get a food handling certificate, why not enrol in a course today?
