Choosing a Food Safety & HACCP Trainer

There are literally hundreds of companies and individuals offering food safety training and HACCP training. How do you know which one to choose? How do you know if the trainer will be suitable? Here are some key points to consider to ensure you get good quality training suitable for your food business.

Remember, it is the legal responsibility of the food business proprietor to ensure staff training and supervision is appropriate to the needs of the business. Therefore choosing a suitably qualified and experienced trainer is vital.

1 – Qualifications & Experience:

You should choose a trainer who have relevant qualifications and experience. The very minimum you should insist upon is a qualification in Hospitality, Food Studies, Food Science or Food Safety at a higher level than that being thought and a training qualification. You should also consider, does the trainer have experience working in a food business. Does the trainer have experience training to the required level, for example is their experience mostly basic level 1 food safety, level 2 food Safety & HACCP or for management HACCP Level 3? If you need training for management, make sure the trainer is used to training at that level as many trainers only deliver level 1 and 2 training.

2 – Continuous Professional Development:

Food Safety Legislation is not static and new laws have been introduced over the last few years. Does your trainer have up to date knowledge and ongoing training in such areas. It would be very easy for a trainer who does not attend food safety conferences and CPD to fall behind on such changes. Trainers who are members of professional associations will have more access to training updates.

3 – Professional Associations:

When Choosing a Food Safety & HACCP Trainer, check if the trainer has membership of a professional association. Here are a few examples of appropriate professional associations that a trainer must meet specific criteria before joining or becoming a licened food safety and HACCP trainer. A trainer with more than one accreditation will have experience delivering a variety of levels of accredited training.

• The Food Safety Professionals Association (FSPA)
• Environmental Health Association Ireland (EHAI)
• National Hygiene Partnership (NHP)

4 – Booking through a Training Company:

If booking through a training company, ask who their food safety trainer is, find out about their qualifications and relevant experience. Ask if you can speak to the trainer to make sure they can adapt the training to suit your organisation and help to identify your specific food safety training needs. It is also good to see if they can provide references or testimonials from previous clients. Not all training companies have a thorough knowledge of Food Safety & HACCP training requirements or legislation. It is important that they are up to date with current and new legislation. Do their trainers attend regular CPD.

5 – Training Requirements & Accreditation’s:

Does the training meet the Food Safety Authority Guideline at Level 1, 2  or 3? Food Safety & HACCP Training does not need to be accredited to any particular awarding body. However, by choosing a specific accreditation such as EHAI, FSPA, NHP you will know that the training meets specific requirements meeting the FSAI guideline. Trainers who deliver these accredited courses must meet specific criteria and continous upskilling and CPD meaning their knowledge is up to date.

6 – How to Choose the Right Course for your Team:

If you are unsure about what level of training is required talk to your food safety trainer. Remember all food workers including support and front of house staff require food safety training commensurate with their work activities. Have a look at the FSAI Training Guides Here.

There are a huge variety of accredited and non-accredited courses on the market. We have a blog coming soon on ‘What food safety & HACCP course do I need?’.

Choice Training & Consultancy are experienced in delivering food safety & HACCP training at all levels from induction through to management. All trainers are experienced. We provide accredited training such as:

FSPA – Food Safety Professionals Association Food Safety & HACCP Level 2

EHAI – Environmental Health Association Ireland Primary Course in Food Safety Level 2

NHP – National Hygiene Partnership Management of Food Safety & HACCP Level 3

We also provide tailored training to suit your specific needs. Best of luck choosing a food safety & HACCP trainer.