Highfield Level 2 International Award in Food Safety
Full Qualification Description
The Highfield Level 2 International Award in Food Safety is an internationally recognised qualification designed to provide food handlers with the essential knowledge and understanding of food safety and hygiene practices. It equips learners with the skills required to work safely with food, prevent contamination, and reduce the risk of foodborne illness in a wide range of food-related environments.
This qualification is ideal for individuals who directly handle food as part of their job role and supports compliance with international food safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Qualification Overview
The qualification focuses on the fundamental principles of food safety, including food hazards, personal hygiene, safe food handling, temperature control, cleaning, and pest control.
On successful completion, learners will understand their legal and personal responsibilities and will be able to apply safe food handling procedures in their workplace to protect consumers and maintain food quality standards.
Aim of the Qualification
The Highfield Level 2 International Award in Food Safety aims to:
- Provide learners with core food safety knowledge
- Enable safe handling, preparation, storage, and service of food
- Reduce the risk of food contamination and food poisoning
- Support compliance with food safety legislation and inspections
- Promote good hygiene practices and food safety awareness in the workplace
Target Audience
This qualification is suitable for:
- Food handlers and food preparation staff
- Chefs, kitchen assistants, and catering assistants
- Staff working in food service, hospitality, and catering
- Food manufacturing and processing operatives
- Food retail staff
- Anyone involved in handling open or packaged food
Typical work environments include:
- Restaurants, cafés, and takeaways
- Hotels and catering operations
- Food manufacturing and processing sites
- Food retail and supermarkets
- Schools, hospitals, and staff canteens
No prior food safety qualification is required.
Course Duration
- Total Guided Learning Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours
- Typically delivered over one day
- Classroom-based or blended learning options may be available, subject to centre approval
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Understand food safety hazards and contamination risks
- Explain the importance of personal hygiene
- Handle food safely
- Understand food poisoning and how to prevent it
- Apply effective temperature control
- Understand cleaning and disinfection procedures
- Support food safety systems in the workplace
Course Content
1. Introduction to Food Safety
- What food safety is and why it is important
- Consequences of poor food safety practices
- Legal responsibilities of food handlers
2. Food Safety Hazards
- Biological hazards (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
- Chemical hazards (cleaning chemicals, allergens)
- Physical hazards (foreign objects)
- Sources and routes of contamination
3. Food Poisoning and Foodborne Illness
- Common causes of food poisoning
- High‑risk foods
- Symptoms of foodborne illness
- Preventative control measures
4. Personal Hygiene
- Importance of good personal hygiene
- Handwashing techniques
- Protective clothing
- Fitness to work and reporting illness
5. Safe Food Handling Practices
- Cross‑contamination and how to prevent it
- Safe food preparation and service
- Storage and stock control
- Separation of raw and ready‑to‑eat foods
6. Temperature Control
- Temperature danger zone
- Cooking, reheating, cooling, and hot holding
- Chilling and freezing
- Temperature monitoring
7. Cleaning and Disinfection
- Difference between cleaning and disinfection
- Cleaning schedules and methods
- Safe use of cleaning chemicals
8. Pest Control
- Common food pests
- Conditions that attract pests
- Prevention and reporting procedures
Assessment Methods
Learners are assessed by:
- Multiple‑choice written examination
- Assessment may be paper‑based or online (subject to centre approval)
The qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured.
Certification and Validity
- Successful learners receive the Highfield Level 2 International Award in Food Safety
- The qualification does not have a fixed expiry date
- Refresher training is recommended every 3 years, or sooner if job roles or legislation change
Benefits of the Qualification
- ✅ Internationally recognised food safety qualification
- ✅ Meets food hygiene training requirements
- ✅ Improves food handling standards and safety
- ✅ Supports inspections, audits, and due diligence
- ✅ Suitable for a wide range of food industry roles
- ✅ Enhances customer confidence and food safety culture
Progression Opportunities
Learners may progress to:
- Highfield Level 3 International Award in Food Safety
- Highfield Level 2 or Level 3 HACCP qualifications
- Supervisory or management roles in food operations
- Advanced food safety and quality management qualifications
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