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The law and your business
Is a food hygiene certificate a legal requirement?
The short answer
No. The law doesn't require a certificate, but it does require every food handler to be supervised and instructed or trained in food hygiene to a level that suits their work. A certificate is the simplest way to show an inspector that training has happened.
Last checked 25 September 2026 against official guidance · see the sources.
What the law actually says
Food hygiene law (Regulation 852/2004, as kept in UK law) says food business operators must make sure food handlers are “supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity”. Anyone who develops or runs your HACCP-based procedures must also be adequately trained in HACCP principles.
GOV.UK puts it simply: it is not compulsory to have a food hygiene certificate, but you will need to show that you have been adequately trained.
Ways businesses commonly show training
| Way | Good to know |
|---|---|
| A course with a certificate | The easiest evidence to show an inspector |
| Supervision and training on the job | Record what was covered, when and by whom |
| Self-study | Keep notes of what was read and understood |
| Previous experience | Keep evidence of earlier training |
Why most businesses still use certificates
Training is checked at every inspection, under how you manage food safety, and a certificate is quick, clear proof. Many employers also ask for a refresher every three years to keep knowledge up to date. A certificate itself doesn’t expire. Read more: how long does a food hygiene certificate last?
Official sources
Free record sheet: Staff Training Record
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