How often should food safety training be provided to staff?

Regular and as-needed food safety training for staff is essential to maintain high food safety standards and ensure that employees are aware of the latest practices and regulations. The food industry is dynamic, with new safety protocols, updated regulations, and emerging foodborne illness trends that can impact the way food is handled and served.

By providing ongoing training, staff is kept informed about changes in food safety guidelines and encouraged to embrace a culture of food safety within the workplace. This approach allows for immediate reinforcement of knowledge when new procedures are introduced or when specific issues arise, ensuring that the team is always equipped to handle food safely.

Training solely during onboarding or at fixed intervals like yearly or biannually may lead to gaps in knowledge retention and practice, as staff may forget important procedures or be unaware of new standards that have been implemented since their last training. Regular training sessions help in refreshing employees' knowledge and skills, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and enhancing overall operational efficiency.