Food hygiene training in the UK: a time for change

Food hygiene practices in industry have been the subject of much debate over recent years, and various studies have been undertaken which have focused upon the relationships between actual practices and the level of knowledge of caterers and their attitudes towards food safety. Food hygiene training is central to ensuring that food handlers are aware of the risks endemic to certain sectors of the industry and that they implement appropriate good hygiene practices in their workplace. This paper reflects upon some of the studies and issues concerning food hygiene training. Serious doubts are raised regarding current approaches to such training and its effectiveness in changing the behaviour or practices of food handlers and managers. New food safety legislation is due in the near future, but it would appear that food hygiene training requirements will remain as they are. Will this be a missed opportunity?