When is HACCP Training required?

Legal requirements for HACCP Training

Under EC Regulation 852/2004 and S.I. No. 369/2006, food business operators must make sure everyone who handles food is supervised, instructed and trained in food hygiene appropriate to their role.

The regulations do not set a single fixed qualification - instead they require operators to ensure staff are trained to a level that matches the food safety risks of their work. In practice, training is needed when:

• Staff prepare, cook, chill or reheat food
• Staff handle high-risk or ready-to-eat foods
• Staff receive, store or transport food
• Staff serve food to the public or to vulnerable groups
• Staff are responsible for cleaning, monitoring or records

The key test is whether a person handles food as part of their job. If they do, they need food safety training appropriate to their role.

Who needs HACCP Training?

HACCP Training is needed across every part of the food industry in Ireland:

Hospitality and Catering

Chefs, kitchen staff, waiting staff, bar staff and caterers who prepare and serve food all need food safety training appropriate to their role.

Healthcare and Care Settings

Catering and support staff who prepare or serve food in hospitals, nursing homes and care settings need training, with extra care because patients are more vulnerable to foodborne illness.

Retail Food and Production

Shop and deli staff, supermarket food handlers, butchers, bakers and food production workers handle open and packaged food that needs strict temperature, hygiene and allergen control.

Warehousing and Distribution

Goods-in, storage, picking and delivery staff need training to maintain the cold chain, rotate stock and prevent cross-contamination.

Refresher training requirements

The standard recommendation is to complete refresher training every 3 years. However, refresher training may be needed sooner if:

1. Your role changes significantly
2. New equipment or processes are introduced
3. An incident highlights training gaps
4. Your employer policy requires it
5. You have been away from work for an extended period

Our online HACCP Refresher Course builds on existing knowledge and updates learners on current best practice, so your certification stays valid and your workplace stays compliant.