An illustration of several hands holding up various food items, including olive oil, salmon steak, vegetables, orange juice, a tomato and a kiwi slice.

The Level 1 Award in Food Safety provides essential knowledge for anyone beginning a role in food handling. This introductory course covers the fundamentals of hygiene, contamination risks, personal cleanliness and safe working practices to help learners understand their responsibilities in keeping food safe. Whether you’re aiming to work in catering, retail or manufacturing, this qualification builds the confidence and awareness needed to support a safe and compliant food environment.

This valuable entry level course covers fundamental knowledge such as:

1. Introduction to Food Safety
What “food safety” means
Why hygiene matters
Risks of unsafe food (illness, contamination)

2. Personal Hygiene
Handwashing (when and how)
Personal cleanliness and protective clothing
Reporting illness (eg diarrhoea, vomiting, cuts)

3. Food Contamination Basics
What contamination is
High-risk vs low-risk foods
Simple ways contamination occurs

4. Cleaning and Disinfection
Difference between cleaning and disinfecting
When and how to clean work areas
Basic cleaning schedules

A hand wearing a blue disposable glove carefully placing a slice of barbecued meat onto a plate next to a baked potato and sauce.
A male chef wearing a white jacket and black disposable gloves arranging slices of sliced meat onto a small white plate in a stainless steel commercial kitchen.

5. Safe Food Handling Basics
Introduction to temperature control
Safe food storage
Handling wrapped/unwrapped food
Delivery and stock rotation basics

6. Allergen Awareness (Basic)
The dangers of food allergens
Preventing allergen cross-contact
Good labelling awareness

7. Pests and Waste Management
Why pests are a risk
Keeping areas clean to prevent pests
Safe waste disposal

8. Your Role and Legal Responsibilities
Employer vs employee responsibilities
Why following instructions matters
Introduction to UK food hygiene law

After completing your Food Safety Award, our dedicated team will be ready to support you as you plan your next move. At our fully resourced Next Steps Centre in Sefton or Central Liverpool Job Shop, you’ll receive personalised guidance to help you explore new roles and sectors where yor food safety qualification can open the door to fresh career opportunities.