Many food professionals rely on food safety training to meet the required industry standards. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a valuable means for trainers to keep their knowledge current and relevant, ensuring they provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. This article will discuss the importance of food safety training, identify the professional bodies in the field, and explain the advantages CPD offers to food safety trainers.
Why is food safety training important?
The food industry maintains strict safety protocols due to the high levels of risk involved in poor food hygiene. Failing to follow food safety regulations can lead to various issues for consumers and cause potential challenges for business owners and food professionals. Food safety trainers ensure that food professionals understand the requirements and standards needed to help food businesses meet industry regulations.
Moreover, as food safety regulations evolve to address new challenges such as emerging pathogens, changing food production methods, and global supply chains, ongoing training becomes even more critical. Food safety trainers must stay current with these changes to provide up-to-date, relevant instruction that empowers food professionals to implement best practices. This continuous learning and adaptation are essential for maintaining a safe food supply chain and protecting public health.
Who are the professional bodies for food safety in the UK?
The Food Standards Agency is the professional body that governs food safety within the UK. The Food Standards Agency ensures that food businesses, employees and food safety trainers meet industry standards for food safety and hygiene.
The Food Standards Agency requires that food professionals are appropriately qualified in various key areas. Topics may include food hygiene and safety, food allergens, root cause analysis, food labelling, vacuum packing and traceability. Food businesses in UK must adhere to Food Standards Agency regulations, including registration and regular hygiene checks. Many food businesses will regularly participate with food safety training, such as CPD, to ensure these ongoing standards are being met.
What are the advantages of CPD for food safety trainers?
CPD is the term used to describe the learning activities individuals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities throughout their career. At its core, CPD is about the individual and their commitment to lifelong learning. There are a variety of benefits food safety trainers will receive from participating in CPD training. The following identifies some of the key advantages:
Meet standards and regulations as a trainer
It is important for food safety trainers to fully understand regulatory and industry standards in order to provide valuable training services. Participating in regular CPD can ensure trainers maintain relevant knowledge and continually meet the required standards in food safety training.
Regulations in food safety and hygiene are subject to change over time. Active CPD keeps food safety trainers informed and up to date with current regulations. This can assist trainers in avoiding misinformation and maintaining a relevant and effective service.
Broaden skillset and develop specialisations
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can also help food safety trainers develop important transferable skills in various areas of practice. This could be in key areas such as leadership and communication.
As well as developing a broad skillset, CPD can help food safety trainers specialise in certain topics. This can help food safety trainers thrive in an area of expertise and offer specialised training services to niche demographics - which may help set them apart from other food safety training businesses.