{"id":37766,"date":"2019-03-22T16:46:12","date_gmt":"2019-03-22T16:46:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=37766"},"modified":"2024-05-10T12:39:32","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T11:39:32","slug":"difference-between-food-hygiene-and-food-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/difference-between-food-hygiene-and-food-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Is There a Difference Between Food Hygiene and Food Safety?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You may have noticed people using the terms \u2018food hygiene\u2019 and \u2018food safety\u2019 interchangeably, and wondered whether there\u2019s a difference between the two. While they do<\/em> overlap, they\u2019re actually not directly interchangeable from a compliance perspective. This is why it\u2019s important to recognise the difference between food hygiene and food safety.<\/p>\n

Not only does this ensure you can properly follow the law, but it\u2019s also good business sense. A strong awareness of your duties will make you run your establishment effectively, meaning customers will trust you to serve the best quality food and will return time and time again.<\/p>\n

This article will explain the main differences between food hygiene and food safety. Knowing this will help you to understand the best practices that you and your business must follow.<\/p>\n

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What’s the Difference Between Food Safety and Hygiene?<\/h2>\n

The term \u2018food safety\u2019 encompasses all the important practices that businesses must follow to ensure food is fit for consumption. \u2018Food hygiene\u2019 is one of these important practices, which means it\u2019s a subcategory of \u2018food safety\u2019.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because food hygiene falls under the umbrella term \u2018food safety\u2019, food hygiene itself does not include all the other key areas of food safety. This is an important difference to be aware of, particularly when applying food management procedures to your premises. Food safety refers to an entire system of managing risks. Meanwhile, food hygiene refers to an individual set of practices for controlling only one aspect.<\/p>\n

\"Chef<\/p>\n

Knowing this will help you better determine what<\/strong> level of knowledge people in your business require and how to apply all the necessary controls. <\/strong>This, in turn, can help you make a more informed decision about improving your business\u2019s practices and what additional training you may need.<\/p>\n

For example, those in managerial or supervisory roles need an understanding of how to implement a food safety system, such as<\/strong> HACCP<\/a>. Conversely, someone working directly with food who is not responsible for putting management systems in place usually only needs food hygiene awareness<\/a>.<\/p>\n

An understanding of food safety is always recommended for everyone in food-related roles, so they can contribute to other essential areas. However, they won\u2019t need the same level of knowledge as those in management positions about other aspects of food safety.<\/p>\n

These \u2018other aspects\u2019 that food safety encompasses, aside from food hygiene, are vital to follow. They help you to comply with the law and keep your customers free of harm.<\/p>\n

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\"expert<\/div>\n

Need a Course?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Our Food Hygiene Training<\/a> is designed to ensure a comprehensive knowledge of all food safety and hygiene procedures. If you are unsure which course is right for you, visit our Choose a Food Hygiene Course<\/a> page to help you decide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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NEW!<\/strong> Have you seen our latest report, analysing regional standards of food hygiene across the UK?\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>Click on the interactive map and league tables to find out where your hometown ranks in Food Hygiene: Know the Score<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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What is Food Safety?<\/h2>\n

Food safety refers to the management systems that establishments must have in place<\/strong> if they sell food. It ensures that the food in any establishment \u2013 from restaurants and supermarkets to delis, food trucks, and caf\u00e9s \u2013 is safe to eat and as advertised. There are various pieces of legislation in place for food safety, but the Food Safety Act 1990<\/a> is the main framework for all food safety laws.<\/p>\n

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Food Standards Agency<\/a> is the governing body that works with local authorities to ensure businesses meet these laws. In particular, they measure a business\u2019s food safety system based on three key aspects<\/a>: hygienic food handling, the physical condition of the business, and food management systems. These align with the requirements put in place by the Act.<\/p>\n

\"Restaurant<\/p>\n

Under food safety law, the key elements of food safety are:<\/h4>\n