New online food hygiene tool launches on BHA website

It is accessible free of charge via the British Hospitality Association website with a link to the page with different language versions represented by flags. The tool, which is principally aimed at the food and service management sector but is applicable to every catering establishment, has been produced by EFFAT (European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions) and FERCO (European Federation of Contract Catering Organisations). It meets the requirements of EU legislation, focusing on the tasks performed by first-level food handlers across Europe, and their level of responsibility. It covers a wide range of topics, including an introduction to HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), personal hygiene safe food handling, and health and safety at work. The tool also includes multi-choice questions to establish the knowledge of those who have taken the training; there is an option for trainees to obtain a certificate. Cocoms Limited, on behalf of EFFAT and FERCO, drafted the technical content and developed the tool with the support of social partners in several Member States. It is available in seven languages. John Dyson, director of Cocoms and food and technical adviser to the BHA, said that the main objective was to offer an innovative food hygiene training opportunity to first level food handlers. "But it should also contribute to the development of in-house training in SMEs in the hospitality sector across Europe."