The Foundation Programme

Get fully compliant in one step with The Foundation Programme, our essential dual-certification bundle. This programme combines our accredited Level 2 Food Safety and Allergen Awareness training into one comprehensive course. Designed for all food handlers, it covers everything from cross-contamination prevention to legal allergen labelling requirements. It’s the most efficient way to ensure your team meets 2026 safety standards with two vital qualifications in one programme.

Level 2 - The Foundation Programme

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The Foundation Programme: Overview

[Highfield Level 2 Food Safety + Level 2 Allergen Awareness]

The essential certification path for anyone handling food in catering, care, or the yachting industry. This combined programme ensures you are not just compliant, but fully confident in managing both general food safety and the 14 major allergens.

By bringing together the 'Gold Standard' Highfield Level 2 Food Safety (MCA-recognised) and comprehensive Allergen Awareness, this path delivers the vital 'due diligence' evidence required for your business.

You will gain a practical, accredited understanding of how to serve customers safely, meet legal requirements, and protect your reputation on land or at sea.

Course Content

The Foundation Programme: Course Content

This Academy programme is a dual-certification path. You will complete two separate, specialist courses to build your total foundation in food safety.

Course 1: Highfield Level 2 Food Safety

The essential knowledge required to handle food safely and comply with UK law.

The 4Cs of Food Safety: Mastering Cleaning, Cooking, Chilling, and Cross-contamination.
Hazards & Contamination: Identifying Microbiological, Chemical, Physical, and Allergenic risks.
Personal Hygiene: Best practices for handwashing, protective clothing, and staff illness.
Storage & Preparation: Temperature control and effective stock rotation.
Law & HACCP Basics: Introduction to UK legislation and the principles of Hazard Analysis.

Course 2: Highfield Level 2 Allergen Awareness

Specialist training to understand, identify, and communicate allergen risks.

Reaction Management: Recognising an allergic reaction and learning what to do.
Allergen Identification: Identifying common allergens and where they are hidden.
Natasha’s Law: Understanding modern food safety legislation and legal compliance.
Communication: Finding and relaying accurate allergen information to customers.
Risk Assessment: Practical skills for carrying out an allergen risk assessment in your workplace.

Assessment and Certification

The Foundation Programme: Exam & Guarantee

Two Separate Highfield Qualifications Because this is a dual-certification programme, you will complete two separate assessments. Both are taken online via Highfield Remote Invigilation.

Course 1: Level 2 Food Safety Exam

Format: 15 Multiple-choice questions
Pass Mark: 9/15
Duration: 30 Minutes
Results: Certificate issued within 48 hours

Course 2: Level 2 Allergen Awareness Exam

Format: 15 Multiple-choice questions
Pass Mark: 9/15
Duration: 30 Minutes
Results: Certificate issued within 48 hours

🛡️ The Hygiene Sue Guarantee

"Your success is our priority." We are so confident in our training that we offer a Risk-Free Guarantee: If you don’t pass either exam on your first attempt, your second attempt is completely free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Foundation Programme: FAQ

1. Who is this programme for? This is designed for anyone working in a catering or food-handling environment, from junior kitchen staff to front-of-house teams. It is also the essential starting point for yacht crew (stewards/stewardesses and chefs) requiring MCA-recognised certification.

2. Are these certificates recognised by the MCA? Yes. The Highfield Level 2 Food Safety qualification included in this programme is fully recognised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and meets the mandatory requirements for crew handling food at sea.

3. Do I have to take both courses at the same time? No. While you purchase them as a combined Academy programme to save money, you can choose to complete the Food Safety module and the Allergen module back-to-back or space them out to suit your schedule.

4. What happens if I fail the exam? Don't worry—you are in safe hands. With our 96% pass rate, most students pass the first time. However, if you don't, our Hygiene Sue Guarantee means your second attempt is completely free.

5. How do the online exams work? The exams are taken via Highfield Remote Invigilation. You simply need a laptop or computer with a webcam and a smartphone. You’ll be supervised remotely to ensure the qualification remains accredited and professional.

6. How long are the certificates valid for? While certificates do not technically "expire," industry best practice and most EHOs recommend refreshing your Level 2 training every three years to stay current with legislation.

Course Books

"Sue is a fantastic teacher. She makes the finer details of food safety easy to understand." -

Joshua H

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"I have used Hygiene Sue training services for years. The experience has always been positive, with 100% pass rates for me and my team. Highly recommended." — Steve Boorman