Glossary · Safety & compliance
Level 2 food hygiene
Definition
Level 2 food hygiene is the standard UK food safety qualification for people who handle food, covering hygiene, temperature control and allergens.
The Level 2 Award in Food Safety and Hygiene is the qualification most UK caterers expect of staff who prepare or serve food. It covers personal hygiene, cleaning, temperature control, contamination and allergens, and explains why each one matters in a working kitchen. It is offered by several awarding bodies and training providers.
The law says food handlers must be supervised and trained in food hygiene to a level that suits their work. It does not name one certificate, but Level 2 is widely treated as the benchmark for front-line staff, and event organisers often ask to see it. Our staff are Level 2 Hygiene Certified, which sits alongside our 5 Star Food Hygiene rating and the rest of our safety documents.
Related terms
- Food hygiene ratingA food hygiene rating is the score from 0 to 5 that a council gives a food business after inspection. 5 means hygiene standards are very good.
- 14 allergensThe 14 allergens are the major food allergens UK food businesses must give information about, including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, gluten and soya.
- Cross-contaminationCross-contamination is when bacteria or allergens pass from one food, surface or utensil to another. At a van it usually happens through shared tools.
- Cold chainThe cold chain is the unbroken chain of temperature control that keeps frozen and chilled food safe from the manufacturer to the customer.
- The full glossary54 terms, from soft serve to street trading licences.
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