ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering
The ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering is a nationally and internationally recognized qualification designed for learners working in environments where food is prepared, cooked, and served. This course builds on fundamental food hygiene principles, offering more detailed knowledge and practical understanding essential for maintaining food safety in busy catering operations. Whether working in a restaurant, hotel, café, or canteen, ensuring food safety is a critical responsibility.
With increasing regulatory focus on food hygiene and consumer safety, catering professionals must be properly trained in food safety procedures. The ICTQual AB Level 2 Award equips learners with the ability to understand the causes of foodborne illnesses, identify potential hazards, and implement effective control measures to prevent contamination.
This course is aligned with the UK Food Standards Agency and international best practices. It is designed to improve workplace compliance and raise standards in food handling and storage. Learners are guided through a structured programme that addresses both theoretical knowledge and its practical application in day-to-day food service environments.
This Level 2 qualification supports learners in achieving legal compliance and strengthens their role in protecting public health. It boosts confidence and capability in food safety tasks, improves employability, and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high hygiene standards in catering operations.
Employers benefit by having well-trained staff who can uphold safe food practices, reduce the risk of foodborne illness, and contribute to the organization’s compliance with food safety laws and inspections.
The ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering is ideal for learners working in food preparation and service roles such as kitchen staff, chefs, food handlers, and supervisors in catering and hospitality environments. It is also suitable for those progressing from a Level 1 qualification or seeking to formalize their experience in the industry.
The ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering is a vital qualification for anyone working with food in a catering setting. It delivers the practical knowledge and skills required to ensure food is handled safely and responsibly. With its focus on legal requirements, hygiene procedures, and contamination prevention, this course enhances workplace safety and provides a pathway for further professional growth in the catering and hospitality industry.
Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering
To enroll in the ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering, learners must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 14 years old at the time of enrolment.
- Educational Background: No formal academic qualifications are required. However, a basic level of literacy in English is recommended to understand the course materials and complete assessments.
- Experience: While not mandatory, it is beneficial for learners to have some prior exposure to food handling tasks or to have completed a Level 1 food safety qualification. This helps to reinforce understanding of more advanced food hygiene practices covered in this course.
These entry requirements ensure accessibility while supporting a strong foundation for learning and successful course completion.
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering, consists of 5 mandatory units.
- Principles of Food Safety and Legal Responsibilities
- Food Safety Hazards and Contamination Control
- Safe Food Handling, Storage, and Temperature Management
- Cleaning, Disinfection, and Waste Disposal Procedures
- Allergen Awareness and Cross-Contamination Prevention
Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit:
Principles of Food Safety and Legal Responsibilities
- Understand the importance of food safety in catering operations
- Identify legal responsibilities of food handlers and businesses under current food safety legislation
- Recognise the consequences of non-compliance with food hygiene regulations
- Explain the role of enforcement authorities and food safety inspections
Food Safety Hazards and Contamination Control
- Identify the main types of food safety hazards: biological, chemical, and physical
- Understand how hazards can arise during food handling and preparation
- Apply effective methods to prevent and control contamination
- Recognise high-risk foods and the conditions that promote bacterial growth
Safe Food Handling, Storage, and Temperature Management
- Demonstrate safe practices for receiving, storing, preparing, and serving food
- Understand correct procedures for chilling, cooking, and hot-holding food
- Use temperature control measures to reduce the risk of foodborne illness
- Identify the importance of date labelling and stock rotation
Cleaning, Disinfection, and Waste Disposal Procedures
- Understand the difference between cleaning and disinfection and when each is required
- Apply correct cleaning schedules and procedures in a food environment
- Identify the importance of waste disposal in preventing pest infestation and contamination
- Use safe practices when handling and storing cleaning chemicals
Allergen Awareness and Cross-Contamination Prevention
- Recognise the 14 major food allergens and their impact on consumer health
- Identify sources of allergen cross-contact and how to prevent it
- Understand the importance of accurate allergen labelling and communication
- Implement allergen management procedures during food preparation and service
The ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of food hygiene and safety procedures essential for working in catering and hospitality environments. Completing this qualification not only demonstrates professional competence but also supports long-term career growth in the food industry. It lays a solid foundation for further training and higher-level responsibilities within food handling operations.
This qualification helps learners progress towards more advanced roles by enabling them to build on their knowledge and take on additional duties related to food safety supervision, compliance, and management.
Progression Pathways:
- ICTQual AB Level 3 Certificate in Food Safety Catering – designed for supervisory roles and those responsible for implementing food safety systems
- HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) training at Level 2 or 3 – to develop practical skills in identifying, monitoring, and managing food safety hazards
- Allergen Management and Food Labelling courses – to enhance knowledge of allergen control and customer protection
- Qualifications in food quality assurance and internal auditing – for those aiming to work in food safety inspection or compliance roles
- Leadership and management training within hospitality and catering – supporting career progression into kitchen management or food operations leadership
By advancing to these next steps, learners strengthen their qualifications, increase their employability, and enhance their ability to maintain the highest food safety standards in professional catering environments.