ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering

The ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering is an introductory qualification designed to develop essential awareness of food hygiene and safe food handling practices in catering environments. This course provides a strong foundation for individuals starting their careers in the food service industry, helping them understand basic food safety principles in line with legal and industry standards.

Food safety is a vital part of any catering operation, as poor hygiene or incorrect food handling can lead to serious health risks. This qualification helps learners understand how to prevent contamination, maintain cleanliness, and follow safe food handling procedures from preparation to service. It promotes responsible working practices and supports compliance with food safety regulations in the workplace.

This course is suitable for learners working or intending to work in restaurants, cafés, hotels, catering services, and institutional kitchens. It is ideal for entry-level staff and food handlers who want to gain confidence in applying basic food hygiene practices and ensuring safe food preparation and service.

After completing this qualification, learners can progress to Level 2 food safety or catering qualifications to further develop their knowledge and skills. Overall, the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering is an important step for anyone beginning a career in catering, supporting both professional growth and improved workplace food safety standards.

Course overview

Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering

To enroll in the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering, learners must meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 14 years of age at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background: While no formal qualifications are required, learners should possess basic literacy skills. The ability to read and understand simple instructions, safety notices, and course materials is essential for successful completion.
  • Experience: No prior experience in catering or food handling is necessary. This qualification is designed as an entry-level course, making it suitable for those new to the industry or individuals seeking foundational knowledge in food safety practices.
  • Language Proficiency: Learners should have basic English reading, writing, and communication skills to understand course content and complete simple assessments successfully.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering, consists of 3 mandatory units.

  1. Introduction to Food Safety and Hazards in Catering Environments
  2. Personal Hygiene and Workplace Cleanliness
  3. Safe Food Handling, Storage, and Temperature Control

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering:

Introduction to Food Safety and Hazards in Catering Environments

  • Identify the importance of food safety in catering operations
  • Recognise common food safety hazards and sources of contamination
  • Describe the impact of poor food safety practices on health and business
  • Understand how foodborne illnesses occur and how to prevent them

Personal Hygiene and Workplace Cleanliness

  • Demonstrate correct personal hygiene practices required in food handling
  • Understand the role of personal cleanliness in preventing food contamination
  • Identify effective cleaning and disinfection procedures in a catering setting
  • Recognise the importance of pest control in maintaining a hygienic workplace

Safe Food Handling, Storage, and Temperature Control

  • Understand safe practices for receiving, storing, preparing, and serving food
  • Identify appropriate temperature controls for different types of food
  • Explain how to prevent cross-contamination during food handling
  • Recognise legal responsibilities related to food storage and handling

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering opens the door to a variety of opportunities for learners aiming to build a career in the food industry. This entry-level qualification not only enhances employability but also serves as a foundation for further study and professional development in food safety and catering operations. With food safety compliance becoming more critical across all sectors, learners who complete this course are well-positioned to advance within the hospitality, catering, and food manufacturing industries.

  • Progressing to the ICTQual AB Level 2 Award in Food Safety Catering, which provides more in-depth knowledge and skills
  • Advancing towards supervisory roles in food preparation and kitchen environments
  • Undertaking Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in food hygiene, health and safety, or hospitality management
  • Gaining specialized training in areas such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
  • Accessing career opportunities in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, schools, hospitals, and food production facilities
  • Developing a pathway towards roles such as kitchen assistant, food handler, catering support staff, or hygiene officer
  • Supporting progression to apprenticeships or vocational training in catering and food service management
  • Enhancing qualifications required for roles in institutional food service, including care homes and educational institutions

FAQS

This course is designed for learners who are new to the catering or food service industry and need to understand basic food safety principles. It is ideal for anyone involved in food preparation, handling, or service in restaurants, cafés, schools, hospitals, or catering operations.

Learners will gain essential food safety skills, including basic food hygiene practices, identifying common food hazards, preventing contamination, and following safe food handling procedures. The course also improves awareness of workplace cleanliness, personal hygiene, and basic food safety regulations.

The ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering is a 1 day programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Learners can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But the final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, the ICTQual AB Level 1 Award in Food Safety Catering is an assessment-based qualification. Learners are required to complete mandatory assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A minimum score of 75% is required to successfully pass the assessments and achieve the qualification.