Which food hygiene level do I need? Free checker for pubs, cafés and restaurants

Pick a job, answer two or three quick questions, and see straight away which level of food hygiene training is typically suitable for that person. Add each person as you go to build a list for your whole team.

The short answer

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 waiting staff who carry plates.
Level 2 typically suits anyone who prepares, cooks or serves open food.
Level 3 is commonly recommended for people who supervise others or run your food safety plan.

Pubs, restaurants, cafés and hotels should choose the catering version.

Food hygiene level checker

Free to use. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere.

1. What's their job?

2. Do they prepare, cook, plate up or serve unwrapped food?

Include serving from a buffet, carvery or counter.

3. Do they supervise others who handle food, or look after your food safety plan?

For example, running your food safety pack (such as Safer Food, Better Business or CookSafe), training new starters, or being in charge of the kitchen on a shift.

This checker gives general guidance based on GOV.UK and Food Standards Agency advice, not legal advice. The law asks for training that fits each person's job, so if someone's role is unusual, your local council's environmental health team can help.

How the checker decides

It asks the same questions an inspector would think about. First, does the person handle open food? Second, if not, do they work around it? Third, are they responsible for other people or for your food safety plan? The answers point to the lowest level that properly covers the job, so you don't pay for more training than someone needs.

The law itself doesn't name levels. It says staff who handle food must be supervised and instructed or trained in food hygiene to a level that suits their work (GOV.UK). Levels 1, 2 and 3 are the way training providers grade their courses, and they've become the common language inspectors and employers use.

Which food hygiene level for common hospitality jobs?

Which level do bar staff need?

Usually Level 1, if they serve drinks and sealed snacks. If they cut fruit for garnishes, make cocktails with fresh ingredients or serve snacks from open jars, they're handling open food, and Level 2 is the safer choice.

Which level does a kitchen porter need?

Usually Level 1, as long as they wash up and clean but don't help with food. Many kitchens train porters to Level 2 anyway, because on a busy night they often end up lending a hand with prep.

Which level do waiting staff need?

Level 1 covers staff who only carry finished plates. Anyone who plates desserts, dresses salads, or serves from a buffet or carvery handles open food, so Level 2 is usually the better fit.

Does a barista need Level 2?

If they serve cakes, sandwiches or other food from the counter, Level 2 is usually the better fit. For a barista who only ever makes drinks, Level 1 may be enough.

Does the owner or manager need Level 3?

Whoever looks after your food safety plan, often the owner, manager or head chef, needs adequate training in how it works, and Level 3 is commonly recommended for that. If the owner is hands-off and someone else runs the kitchen, Level 3 is usually most useful for that person instead.

What to do next

Once you know which levels suit your team, our Level 2 course comparison shows five popular courses side by side, from £12 to £170, and our guide to course costs helps you budget for a whole team. Don't forget to keep a record of who's trained to what level, and when.

Sources we used