How often should food safety training be refreshed for food handlers?

Food safety training should be refreshed at least annually or more frequently as needed to ensure that food handlers are up-to-date with the latest safety practices and regulations. This regular training helps reinforce essential knowledge about safe food handling, hygiene practices, and the prevention of foodborne illnesses. By providing ongoing training, food handlers can stay informed about new research, techniques, and legal requirements that may impact their practices. This proactive approach to food safety reduces risks in food service environments and helps maintain high standards for health and sanitation.

The frequency of at least once a year ensures that food handlers regularly revisit critical concepts, which is vital because the fast-paced nature of the food industry may lead to the loss of skills or knowledge over time. It also acknowledges that changes can occur in regulations or procedures that necessitate a refresh in training.