Food Safety Training is an MLC 2006 requirement and applies to all crew working on board MLC compliant vessels who are involved with food handling.
Regardless of number of crew or size of vessel, any person who touches food, whether for guests or crew, needs to hold a recognised and valid certificate. Food handling includes food preparation, cooking, plating food, preparing snacks & sandwiches, unwrapping food, taking food in and out of the fridges, storing food, serving food and clearing plates. This means effectively every crew member onboard.
The Food Safety in Catering Level 2 certificate is the MCA recommended qualification for all crew. The Food Safety Level 2 is part of the GUEST program for entry level crew and the Level 3 Food Safety Supervision course is recommended for Heads of Department at Management level who also supervise crew working in the Service department.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The MCA did recognise online food safety courses for a while, however these are no longer considered acceptable as a standalone course. The Virtual College Food Safety online courses (City & Guilds) will only be accepted by the MCA if you also take a practical assessment by visiting an accredited test centre.
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MIN 559 for MLC 2006 Food Safety and catering recognise qualifications.