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The Level 1 Food Hygiene Certificate (Retail) is an essential entry-level food safety training course designed for staff working in retail environments where food is sold but not prepared. This includes roles in supermarkets, corner shops, convenience stores, petrol stations, and newsagents where pre-packaged or low-risk foods are handled.
This online food hygiene course provides a basic understanding of food safety principles, helping individuals understand their responsibilities when handling food in a retail setting. It’s ideal for new starters, part-time employees, and those working around food who may not be directly involved in food preparation. The course meets the UK’s mandatory training requirement for food handlers and supports compliance with national food safety standards.
100% online training
Start when you like
Learn on any device (desktop, mobile, tablet)
Instant assessment and result
100% online training
Start when you like
Learn on any device (desktop, mobile, tablet)
Instant assessment and result
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Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses
100% online training accessible anytime, from any device
Designed as a useful induction programme for new retail food workers
Self-paced online course that allows learners to study at their own pace
Covers key hygiene and contamination principles without unnecessary complexity
Instant access and same-day digital certificate
Bulk discounts available for group training
Approved by the Institute of Hospitality, IIRSM, Gatehouse Awards & CPD, and aligned with UK food safety legislation
Developed by UK’s leading provider of regulated food safety qualifications
Accepted by environmental health officers and local authorities
This Level 1 food safety training course introduces the fundamental principles of food safety and hygiene that all food handlers in retail should understand. It provides:
Whether you’re stacking shelves, working on a checkout, or handling wrapped food products, this course gives you the confidence to operate safely and avoid common hygiene issues.
Produced by one of the UK’s leading organisations in food safety e-learning, this course is accredited by CPD and approved by the Institute of Hospitality, IIRSM, and Gatehouse Awards, and built by renowned food safety experts. It provides a solid foundation in food hygiene and is accepted by UK local authorities as meeting the appropriate level of training for retail food handlers.
The training uses content-rich exercises, clear video demonstrations, and engaging knowledge checks to ensure the learner understands and retains the material. It’s designed to simplify even the most complex ideas in a way that’s accessible and relevant to everyday retail roles.
Retail food businesses are expected to ensure their staff receive hygiene training commensurate with their job role. This Level 1 food hygiene certificate supports food handlers in understanding how to avoid contamination, maintain a clean environment, and uphold the integrity of the food supply chain.
Completing this course helps learners:
It’s also ideal for individuals with a keen interest in food, including school leavers, volunteers, and those looking to enter the catering or food industry for the first time.
The Level 1 food hygiene and safety course includes the following modules:
1. Introduction to Food Safety and Hygiene
2. Food Hazards and Contamination Risks
3. Personal Hygiene in Retail Settings
4. Premises Cleanliness and Pest Control Cleaning
5. Working Safely Around Pre-Packaged and Low-Risk Foods
6. Legal Responsibilities and The Importance of Training
7. Final Assessment
The course covers key syllabus areas such as microbiological hazards, contamination control, and safe handling practices in retail settings. Each section is supported with interactive learning tools to ensure effective knowledge acquisition.
At the end of the course, learners take a short multiple-choice final exam. A pass mark of 75% is required, and learners can retake the assessment at no additional cost if necessary.
Upon passing, learners receive an instant digital certificate. A printed copy is sent the next working day, which can be presented to employers and local authorities during inspections.
This training course is suitable for anyone working in a retail food business where they handle or come into contact with low-risk or pre-packaged foods. This includes:
Checkout operators and shop floor staff
Stock handlers and shelf stackers
Petrol station employees
Deli counter support staff (non-preparation roles)
Market and newsagent staff
Volunteers and temporary workers in food retail environments
It is also ideal as a general introduction to food safety for keen home cooks or individuals looking to enter the food industry in the future.
It is a basic food hygiene certificate that provides essential training in food safety for retail workers who do not prepare high-risk foods.
Yes, if you handle or come into contact with food in a retail setting, you are required to complete hygiene training appropriate to your role.
Yes, it is recognised by environmental health officers and complies with UK legal training requirements.
Yes, this is a self-paced online course that can be completed on any device, at your convenience.
The course typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Yes, you’ll receive a digital certificate immediately after passing and a printed copy by post the next working day.
Yes, it includes an overview of pest control cleaning, waste management, and cleanliness in a retail environment.
Yes, it is CPD-certified and contributes to continuing professional development.
It is recommended to refresh your training every three years or as advised by your employer.