Food hygiene levels 1, 2 and 3 explained
Which food hygiene level does each person need? Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, catering, retail... it's easy to get muddled. This section helps you work out which training is typically suitable for each person on your team, so you don't pay for more than you have to.
The law asks for training that fits each person's job, not a particular certificate or level. As a guide:
- Level 1 typically suits people who work around food, like servers who carry finished plates.
- Level 2 typically suits anyone who prepares or handles food.
- Level 3 is commonly recommended for people who supervise others or look after your food safety plan.
For pubs, restaurants, cafés and hotels, pick the catering version.
The three food hygiene levels at a glance
Each level builds on the one before. Level 2 typically suits most hospitality staff.
Guides in this section
Level 1 food hygiene: the starter course explained
Who it suits, what it covers, and two popular courses compared.
Who is Level 2 food hygiene training for?
A simple table showing which roles Level 2 typically suits, and which it doesn't.
When is Level 3 food hygiene worth it?
Who needs it, what it adds, and what the online courses cost.
Catering, retail or manufacturing: which course do you need?
How to make sure you buy the right version for a hospitality business.
Ready to choose a course?
Once you know the level, compare the popular courses side by side.
Buying for several people? Our guide to course costs shows what you'd pay for your whole team.