This qualification has been designed to meet the revised food safety legislation that came into law in 2006. It is the equivalent of the Level 2 Food Safety Awards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Elementary Food Hygiene certificate provides the minimum level of content to meet the new legislation.
There is an emphasis in the qualification on ensuring that candidates are able to recognise hazards and be able to take preventative action themselves or pass to a supervisor. Whilst the legislation talks about employers being able to demonstrate that food handlers are competent in food safety, this food safety qualification is popular as it makes it easier for employers to demonstrate that training has taken place as learners will possess a certificate. People doing this qualification would normally have just entered the industry.
Food Safety at this level is also found in all level 1 and 2 chef-related Scottish/ National Vocational Qualifications (S/NVQs). Qualifications called Intermediate Food Hygiene or the ‘Award in Supervision of Food Safety in Catering’ are available aimed at those in supervisory or management positions. A similar qualification called the ‘Level 2 Award in Practical Food Safety in Catering’ is also available. It has the same content, but is aimed at food handlers in the workplace, it has different assessment and its delivery is usually significantly longer.