CIEH warns of ‘cowboy’ online food safety courses and exams
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has issued a warning about online food safety training companies which provide individuals and businesses with “poor advice and incorrect guidance”, stating that they could be a danger to public health.
Whilst most food safety training companies have a website and many more supplement their food hygiene training courses with E-Learning opportunities, some training firms are operating solely online without the proper quality assurance mechanisms in place. The courses they offer may not provide accurate advice or guidance, which could lead to poor food safety practices within food businesses and potentially even an outbreak of food poisoning.
The CIEH’s Head of the Awarding Organisation, Marianne Phillips, said:
“The CIEH takes the issue of food safety seriously. Our members in the public sector regulate and enforce food safety and our OFQUAL regulated food safety training qualifications are valued by businesses up and down the country and overseas. Providers that cut corners not only compromise public confidence but also put public safety at risk.”
When choosing a training company, businesses and individuals are strongly advised to look for those which are backed by official regulators and which have accreditation from the CIEH along with other regulating bodies.