Food Safety and Safe Food Handling

Overview:

When you work in the food industry you have a responsibility to practise good food safety methods so that the consumers will not become sick from eating contaminated food.


The statutes that provide protection against the sale of unsafe food are: 

  • The Food Act 2014
  • The Food Hygiene Regulations 1974
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

If you need to meet the new Food Act requirements then PCTI can help with our Food Handler Courses.


These courses are designed to provide food industry trainees with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety of food. It is essential that everyone working in the food industry implements good food safety practices to prevent customers from falling ill after consuming food purchased from their establishments. By completing these courses, individuals are equipped with an understanding of various types of food contamination hazards, including chemical and physical risks. They are also trained to prevent cross-contamination by handling food in a safe manner and ensuring that the food delivered is of good quality and free from contamination.


The bulk of the course is delivered via distance learning so you can study from anywhere in the North Island or South Island.


For the Advanced course, students need to visit one of our training centres for the final assessment


There are two-course options – Standard Course and Advanced Course


Standard Course:

The Standard Course is a distance learning program that includes a food hygiene booklet and an assessment to be completed at the learner's own pace. After completion, the assessment is sent back for marking. The course covers Unit Standard 20666, which focuses on developing a basic understanding of contamination hazards and control methods used in a food business. 

The cost of the Standard Course is $125, including GST.

Unit Standard 20666: Demonstrate basic knowledge of contamination hazards and control methods used in a food business. (Level 2 | Credits 2)


Advanced Course:

The Advanced Course includes all the material covered in the Standard Course and adds an extra unit, Unit Standard 167. The Advanced Course offers additional theory, practical activities, and assessments. The practical assessment is conducted at the Tauranga training facility, but it can also be arranged at other locations within a two-hour drive for an additional fee. 

The course covers Unit Standard 20666 and Unit Standard 167, which involve practising food safety methods in a food business under supervision. 

The Advanced Course is worth four credits and costs $320, including GST. Please note that a minimum number of participants are required to run the course in-house, so it is best to inquire first before making payment.

Unit Standard 20666: Demonstrate basic knowledge of contamination hazards and control methods used in a food business. (Level 2 | Credits 2) 

Unit standard 167: Practise food safety methods in a food business under supervision. (Level 2 | Credits 4)

Upon completion of either course, participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement and NZQA credits.


The topics covered on these courses include:

  • Personal hygiene and unhygienic activities through the use of good habits and avoiding bad habits. Cleaning and sanitising (there is a difference) work areas and equipment.
  • Handling and monitoring high risk food correctly as well as storing them at the correct temperature as well as handling rubbish correctly and controlling pests in a food production area.
  • We will look at and discuss the differences between microbes and viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae.