About this course
Food allergies can be fatal, and the law on allergen information is strict. This short course covers what food businesses and their staff must do.
It covers the 14 named allergens, the difference between allergy and intolerance, Natasha's Law labelling for prepacked for direct sale food, how to give accurate allergen information, and preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen.
What learners cover
- The 14 named allergens and where they appear in food
- The difference between food allergy, intolerance and coeliac disease
- Legal duties, including Natasha's Law and PPDS labelling
- Giving accurate allergen information to customers
- Preventing cross-contamination during storage, prep and service
Course content
The course is delivered in short, bite-size sections that learners can stop and restart at any point.
- Section 1
Allergies and intolerances
How reactions happen, symptoms, anaphylaxis and the seriousness of getting it wrong.
- Section 2
The 14 allergens
Each named allergen, where it is commonly found and the ingredients that hide it.
- Section 3
The law
Food Information Regulations, Natasha's Law, PPDS labelling and enforcement.
- Section 4
Safe practice
Recipe control, supplier information, communication with customers, and separation during storage, preparation and service.
Who it is for
Anyone handling, preparing or serving food: kitchen staff, front of house, retail food staff, care and school catering teams and managers.
Entry requirements: No prior knowledge is needed. The course is written in plain English and suitable for all staff.
How it is delivered
Fully online and self-paced
Learners work through the course at their own pace and can pause and resume where they left off.
Any device
Works on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile, with audio, video and written transcripts throughout.
Interactive throughout
Scenarios, exercises and images keep learners engaged rather than clicking through slides.
Knowledge checks
Short checks at the end of each section so learners can see what has landed before moving on.
Average completion time is around 45 mins, though learners can take as long as they need and return as often as they like.
How it is assessed
Knowledge checks run throughout the course so learners can test understanding as they go. The course ends with a multiple-choice assessment taken online. Learners who do not pass first time can retake it.
Certification
Learners receive a Highfield Online Training digital certificate as soon as they pass the end-of-course assessment. Certificates download straight away and can be saved to a CPD log or staff training record.
Refresher guidance: Most employers refresh this training every 12 months, or sooner if the law, roles or workplace risks change.
How it works for teams
- 1. Choose how many licences you need and pay by card, or request an invoice.
- 2. Add your learners' names and email addresses.
- 3. We set them up on the course platform and they receive their login by email.
- 4. Track who has been set up from your account.