How often should I renew my food hygiene certificate?

Posted 5 years ago

Whether you work in a restaurant, café, school kitchen, or food manufacturing site, staying up to date with food hygiene training is vital.

Whilst food hygiene certificates don’t technically expire, most employers and local authorities recommend renewing them every three years. That’s because guidance, best practices, and even food safety legislation can change over time. So, if you’re involved in handling food, it’s essential that you’re always working to the latest standards.

In this blog, we’ll break down why renewing your certificate is so important, how often it should be done, and what the process involves. We’ll also help you figure out which level of food hygiene certificate you need, whether you’re just starting out or taking on more responsibility in your role.

Let’s take a look!

Why is it important to renew your certificate?

Food hygiene training isn’t something you do once and promptly forget. The way food is stored, prepared, served, and labelled is tightly regulated for a reason: to protect public health.

Renewing your food hygiene certificate helps make sure you’re not just ticking a compliance box, but genuinely keeping up with the latest safety standards.

Training gaps are one of the most common reasons food businesses fall short during inspections, according to the Food Standards Agency. If a safety incident occurs and a staff member hasn’t been trained recently, it could count against you in an investigation.

Here’s why it matters:

Best practice evolves: Food safety guidance is updated regularly. For example, allergen labelling requirements changed significantly with the introduction of Natasha’s Law in 2021, something many food workers had to update their training to understand and comply with.
Refreshed knowledge reduces risk: Over time, we naturally forget things we don’t use every day. Regular refresher training helps prevent lapses in judgement, such as incorrect food storage temperatures or poor cleaning practices that can lead to contamination.
You stay legally compliant: While the law doesn’t state a specific expiry period for certificates, the Food Safety Act 1990 and associated regulations require businesses to make sure staff are trained appropriately for their role.
It builds trust with employers and customers: If you’re looking to progress in your career, a recent certificate can demonstrate your commitment to high standards and continued professional development.

What happens if you don’t renew?

Let’s say you last completed training five or more years ago. In that time, legislation could have changed, your workplace procedures might be different, and your role may have evolved.

If a customer suffers an allergic reaction or an environmental health officer visits and finds evidence of poor hygiene, an outdated certificate won’t help much.

In some cases, a lack of updated staff training could lead to enforcement action and a damaged business reputation. Local authorities carried out over 2,000 enforcement actions last year related to hygiene breaches, many of which involved gaps in training and supervision.

So, how often does a food hygiene certificate last?

At the very minimum, your staff should renew their food hygiene certificate every 3 years.

But, if you can, then it’s highly advised to renew your certification yearly. This is so staff can always stay updated and reminded of key aspects of food safety and hygiene they might’ve forgotten – like proper food handling and storage procedures.

What’s more, there are often changes going on around food safety and hygiene legislation. This means that, even in the relatively short span of a few years, a food handler’s knowledge might be outdated if they’ve not kept up with changes. Frequent training helps prevent that.

Anyone handling food should have the most up-to-date knowledge possible so they can stay compliant with current laws and keep on preparing food safely.

How do I renew my food hygiene certificate?

Renewing your food hygiene certificate is pretty straightforward. In most cases, it simply involves retaking the course at the level that matches your current job role.

Unlike other certifications that might offer a quick ‘renewal test’, with food safety training, you have to complete the full course again. This makes sure you’re fully refreshed on all aspects of food safety, rather than just passing a short quiz.

Here’s how the renewal process usually works:

Choose a trusted training provider: Make sure your course is accredited and recognised by employers and local authorities. Look out for training that follows the latest UK/EU food safety guidelines and is aligned with the Food Standards Agency’s recommendations.
Select the right level: Your job responsibilities will determine whether you need Level 1, 2 or 3 training.
Complete the course online or in-person: Many people choose to renew their certificate online for convenience, especially if they need it quickly. Online courses usually include interactive modules, videos, and knowledge checks.
Pass the final assessment: Most providers include a multiple-choice test at the end of the course. Once passed, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate that you can print or share digitally with your employer.
Get back to work with renewed confidence: Once your certificate is updated, you can get on with your role knowing you’re working to current best practices and legal standards.

Some workplaces organise group training for teams, especially in hospitality or food manufacturing. If you’re an employer, scheduling regular refresher sessions is a great way to stay compliant and reduce training gaps across your staff.

Which food hygiene certificate do I need?

If you’re renewing your certificate, you might be wondering whether to stick with the same level or whether your current role now calls for something more advanced (or more tailored). The right training level depends on what you actually do day to day, not necessarily what you’ve done in the past.

Here’s a breakdown of the main levels and who they’re suitable for.

Level 1 – Working around food, but not handling it directly

This level is designed for people who work in food environments but aren’t involved in preparing or serving food. For example, someone who cleans kitchen areas or delivers packaged food may not handle ingredients directly but still needs to understand how to avoid cross-contamination. It’s also a useful refresher for those in low-risk roles who need basic food safety awareness.

Level 2 – Handling, preparing or serving food

This is the most popular level and is aimed at anyone who works directly with food. Whether you’re prepping ingredients, cooking meals, plating up orders, or serving customers, Level 2 training gives you the knowledge to work safely and hygienically. It’s suitable for a wide range of roles, from café or takeaway staff to care home kitchen assistants and school cooks.

Level 3 – Managing food safety procedures and teams

If you’re responsible for overseeing food safety, leading a team, or managing HACCP systems, Level 3 is the right choice. It’s a more in-depth course that covers areas like risk management, record keeping, and supervising others. This level is commonly taken by head chefs, catering managers, food business owners, and supervisors in hospitality or manufacturing.

Can I change levels when renewing?

Yes, and it’s often a good idea.

For example, if you’ve recently stepped into a leadership role, renewing at Level 3 instead of Level 2 makes sure your training reflects your new responsibilities. Likewise, if you’ve moved into a more hands-off role, you may no longer need the same level of training as before.

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check with your employer, your local authority, or a trusted training provider. The right level of training not only keeps you compliant — it also helps you feel more confident and capable in your role.

Food Safety & Hygiene Training – Level 1 & 2

Here at iHasco, we offer a range of Food Hygiene courses, including Food Safety & Hygiene Training – Level 1 and Food Safety & Hygiene Training – Level 2 courses for those who handle food in a working environment.

Both of these CPD accredited courses cover ‘food hazards & food poisoning’ and ‘personal hygiene when handling food’, making sure you’re knowledgeable and prepared for the tasks ahead! Additionally, the level 2 course covers the 4 C’s of food safety and procedures & premises.

Ready to get started? Kick off your training and claim a no-obligation free trial to our courses today!