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FAQs

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Food Safety – FAQs Answered For You

Food Safety FAQs

What is a basic food hygiene certificate?

A Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is gained when a trainee successfully completes a Level 2 basic food hygiene course. This is known by many different names including Food Handling Certificate, Food Hygiene Certificate, Food Handlers Certificate, Food Certificate NZ, Food Hygiene Certificate NZ, and Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate. The Basic Food Hygiene Certificate food safety course is for people in commercial food premises as well as those who are cooking food at home for sale.

How do I get a food hygiene certificate?

You can get a Basic Food Hygiene Certificate by enrolling in Food Safe‘s online course or on-site course. Our courses are tailored to different sectors like home food businesses, cafes, restaurants ECE, rest homes, age care facilities, and food manufacturing companies. Our Level 2 Basic Food Hygiene Certificate is an NZQA-Approved Training Scheme and fits the general Codex requirements for food handlers globally. It is approved by all Councils and Verifiers.

How long is a basic food hygiene certificate valid for?

It is recommended that you refresh your training every three years. Some food manufacturing companies require their staff to do this every year as part of their training. You can book your food safety training here.

Can I make and sell food from home?

Yes, as long as your kitchen meets the necessary food safety and hygiene requirements which can be learned as part of our basic food safety certificate course. You can use your home as a base for making and selling food as long as you register your home with your local Council and let them know you intend to use your home as business premises.

Can I get a food safety certificate online?

Yes, you can get a food safety certificate online by booking and completing our food safety course here.

HACCP FAQs

What HACCP stands for

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. HACCP is a logical, structured, and systematic approach to managing risk and controlling food safety.

What HACCP means

HACCP or Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an internationally recognised method of identifying and managing food safety-related risk. HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement, and handling, to manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of the finished product.

What are HACCP principles

The 7 principles of HACCP (as per Codex International Code of Practice):

  • Conduct a hazard analysis
  • Determine the critical control points (CCPs)
  • Establish critical limits for each CCP
  • Establish a system to monitor the control of the CCP
  • Establish the corrective action when monitoring indicates that a particular CCP is not under control
  • Establish verification procedures
  • Establish documentation concerning all procedures and records relevant to the HACCP principles and their application

How many HACCP principles are there

There are 7 principles of HACCP (as per the Codex International Code of Practice)

Who uses HACCP

HACCP can be used by companies across all the stages of the food chain – from primary production to final consumption. HACCP is a critical part of risk-based food safety programmes like Risk Management Programmes (RMPs)

What are HACCP prerequisites

HACCP Prerequisites are the Good Manufacturing Procedures, Practices, and Operations which ensure that the food is safe to eat.

  • Training
  • Production
  • Cleaning
  • Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
  • Personal hygiene policies
  • Calibration and verification
  • Traceability
  • Recall procedures
  • Complaint monitoring
  • Approved supplier lists and approval processes

New Zealand Qualifications FAQs

What is New Zealand Certificate Qualification?

New Zealand Certificate Qualification is designed for people working across any industry in New Zealand after graduating from school (NCEA).

How do I get a New Zealand Certificate Qualification?

You have to be working in a New Zealand company and be signed into a training plan and agreement via Food Safe. We offer this service to companies for groups of 4 or more. Email [email protected] or call us on 0800 003 097.

Read our 5 Facebook & Google trainee reviews

★★★★★ Love it. To be recommended. Keith was great! Session was interesting and enjoyable.Keith shared heaps of useful information and delivered it with professionalism.Concepts were explained effectively.It was a positive learning experience, very enriching. Thank you!Sonia SimaoSonia Simao ★★★★★ Very enjoyable/informative online course! Keith answered any questions with ease and provided me with new information which I can implement in my career. Thanks a bunch!Sarah McleodSarah Mcleod ★★★★★ Excellent tutor, lots of up to date relevant information. Highly recommend. ThankyouEmma Sa do PradoEmma Sa do Prado ★★★★★ Great experience with Keith today, goes over all the points that need to be addressed and explained everything in a way for all participants in different jobs at every step to be able to understand, I have done HACCP training before and this was better than my last experienceskaryn fowkekaryn fowke ★★★★★ The course was very informative and fun. I am grateful to gain more knowledge about food safety to ensure the safety of our families, customers and people in general.Thank you Keith for sharing your knowledge.Pela AndrewPela Andrew ★★★★☆ Very informative relevate and up to date information provided by Keith on food safetyMurdock OrmsbyMurdock Ormsby ★★★★★ Great class and personally for me has been a great refresher but some really good information and guidance for people getting into hospitality and starting their own business - Thanks very much Keith and all the bestGarett HuijsGarett Huijs ★★★★☆ The course was done via zoom. Being able to attend the course in the comfort of your own home while still getting that personal classroom feel was a bonus. A good learning experience with loads of information to help you be successful in your career path.Janine SadlierJanine Sadlier ★★★★★ The training is very helpful and clearKristine Pere - PaderKristine Pere - Pader ★★★★★ The course itself was awesome and very engaging, the course instructor was amazing and nice, very worth it!Lucky MinLucky Min ★★★★★ very informative and enjoyable, great tutorDavid SlyDavid Sly ★★★★★ Keith who taught us was great, and I learned so much! It was well worth doing and I feel I gained a lot of knowledge. Thank you.Merina FosterMerina Foster ★★★★★ Trainer was fun to work with and explained everything clearly.Mathew RendellMathew Rendell ★★★★★ My basic food safety and hygiene online course was taught with knowledge, patience and plenty of personal feedback to address the particular situation of all the participants from childcare centres to new business start ups. I would definitely recommend this not only yo those who must hold a certificate for their careers but also to churches and charities to ensure their food safety is up to date with national standardslouise shawlouise shaw ★★★★★ Experienced Tutor with excellent teaching techniques. The course was specific to the learning needs of each individual student, by explaining specifics for the variety of industries where this certification is relevantMartha WilsonMartha Wilson ★★★★★ What a great experience. Instructor is well versed and answered every questions we had. Extremely recommended for 1st time food business owners or planning to be one.Felix III CervantesFelix III Cervantes ★★★★★ Amazing training with this course.Keith is awesome training and funny but also this course has taught me alot that I didn't know about food safety and was well worth it.Robyn WalshRobyn Walsh ★★★★★ Terrific course. Keith was personable and knowledgeable, and his tutoring style made it a fun and inclusive experience.Grant DobsonGrant Dobson ★★★★★ Great coursejemma farrelljemma farrell ★★★★★ The course was well structured and run. Thanks very much.Stu CliffinStu Cliffinjs_loader