26 June 2007, 14:47 PM
  • The Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) is launching a new set of food safety qualifications designed to meet the needs of employers in the food retail, manufacturing and catering sectors.

These qualifications have been designed with food industry professionals in mind and are set out by the New Occupational Standards and the latest UK and European legislation.

Dr Alan Maryon-Davis, chair for the RIPH, says, “It’s really important that customers, staff and employers have confidence in food safety standards. These new qualifications have been specifically tailored to meet the particular requirements set out by experts in each area. They provide an up-to-date approach to training in keeping with, and relevant to, everyday life.”

Working with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the Sector Skills Councils, the RIPH offers awards at various levels within the National Qualifications Framework. These cover all the topics relating to hygiene, legal and operational requirements that staff will need in order to operate safely and effectively in their business sector.

The qualifications will enable employers to demonstrate to regulators that staff have been properly trained in accordance with national occupational standards for their industry. The courses can be delivered on-site or at one of the RIPH training centres.

Every year, it is estimated as much as one in ten people could be victims of a food-borne illness resulting in high costs to the NHS, as well as lost working days. More importantly, these can have life-threatening effect on individuals and force businesses in breach of regulations to close down.

The RIPH was founded in 1886. Based in London, it is a independent body dedicated to the promotion, practice and protection of the highest standards of public health. It enjoys the patronage of Her Majesty The Queen and is a registered charity.