Food Allergen Awareness Training

Duration 1-2 hours

Last audited 18th July 2023

CPD Approved IoH Approved Owen's Law Logo Food Allergy Aware Logo
Food Allergen Awareness
For me
For teams
  • 100% online training

  • Start when you like

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

  • Instant assessment and result

  • 1 learner per course

  • Train teams of all sizes

  • Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

£25 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

It's essential that food handlers in retail and catering settings have an awareness of what food hypersensitivities and allergens are, how they can affect the safety of customers, and how food handlers should communicate the correct information to those who need to know.

This online Food Allergen Awareness course will teach you how to comply with the UK's allergen laws and help you understand which foods commonly cause reactions in food-hypersensitive customers. This course will explain how allergenic ingredients should be labelled on food products under the Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation (as retained in UK law) and how to ensure customers receive accurate information about the food they consume.

Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidance states that food businesses must make sure their staff receive training on allergens.

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Unlimited assessment attempts

Developed by food safety professionals

Ensures compliance with the Food Information for Consumers (FIC) Regulation as retained in UK law

Up to date with current allergen legislation in the UK, Natasha's Law and PPDS labelling requirements

Accredited by CPD, endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality and the Owen's Law Campaign

Downloadable module recaps of key learning points

What you'll learn

By the end of this course learners can:

  • Explain the term 'food hypersensitivity' (FHS).
  • Recognise the common symptoms of allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, coeliac disease and food intolerances.
  • Identify the 14 food allergens which must be declared if they are used as an ingredient.
  • Explain their legal responsibilities in regard to allergen labelling and declaration.
  • Apply communication techniques to engage positively with the food hypersensitive customer.
  • Describe how to convey accurate allergen information in food items to the customer.
  • Implement procedures and practices to control allergenic cross-contamination.
  • Determine how to respond in an emergency where a customer has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

Training you can trust

  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Suitable for

Module 1: Introduction to Food Allergens, Allergies and Anaphylaxis

What is a food allergen, key definitions, coeliac disease and symptoms, symptoms of an allergic reaction, symptoms of anaphylaxis, food handler responsibilities, the 14 food allergens, hidden allergens, what's my role.

Module 2: Food Allergen Law and the Food Labelling Regulations

Food safety legislation, food labelling regulations, foods prepacked for direct sale (PPDS), allergen labelling, Natasha's Law, near miss reporting, precautionary allergen labelling, ingredients lists, loose foods, distance selling, law enforcement, staff training, communicating with the food hypersensitive customer.

Module 3: Controlling Allergenic Cross-Contamination

Key terms, HACCP, prerequisites, cleaning the workplace, food deliveries and transportation, food storage, food preparation, food service, allergen policy, emergency situations.

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 90%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.

This course is best suited for food handlers in catering and retail settings. The course is appropriate for workers at all levels, whether they prepare, handle, sell or serve food products.

This includes, but is not limited to, staff that work in:

  • Restaurants, canteens and hotels
  • Cafes, coffee and sandwich shops
  • Supermarkets and convenience stores
  • Bakeries, butchers and delicatessens
  • Food markets, stalls and food trucks
  • Food buffets
  • Takeaways
  • Caterers and cooks in hospital and education settings
  • Online food retailers and other distance sellers

If you work in food manufacturing then our specifically designed Food Allergens in Manufacturing course will be more suitable.

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