By Areena Asif
Areena Asiff has done graduation in Food Sciences & Technology from UMT, she holds international certification in Nutrition & Health and Food Safety. Currently, she is working as food technologist at Diet Studio. She writes on different topics related to Health, Food Safety, Nutrition & other science related topics. She can be reached at areenaasif6659@gmail.com.

As a Food Technologist, I believe that having a professional degree only is not enough for your educational career. It would be best if you have different international trainings & certifications that adds to your practical skills & would allow you to become prominent among others. Choose training & certifications according to your educational background. After completing my BS in Food Sciences & Technology. I always really wanted to do something that is in current demand by the employer of the Food industry. Therefore, I started searching one day I came to know about this British awarding body that is offering 200+ qualifications/training named British Qualifications & Certifications. It’s a Uk based British certification that is providing training/certification in Food Safety, Nutrition & Health, HACCP, Auditing & Inspection, Allergens & many more.
COTHM Pakistan takes this initiative by providing these trainings in Pakistan, they have trained instructors for these certifications. COTHM Pakistan provides British certifications that offers an extensive range of International food safety qualifications. Food safety qualifications ranges from level 1 to level 4 and are internationally recognized as a mark of excellence. Certification entry criteria vary according to Food Safety Levels. By obtaining the food safety qualification, employees who handle food will gain a good understanding & the importance of food safety and knowledge of the systems, techniques, and procedures involved in producing safe food. Furthermore, they will have the knowledge to deliver quality food safely to customers.
Following are the Levels of Food Safety that are available at COTHM:
• Food Safety Level 1 (For Beginners)
• Food Safety Level 2 (For High-Risk Food Handlers)
• Food Safety Level 3 (For supervisors & Jr. Managers)
• Food Safety Level 4 (For Sr. Managers & Executive Chefs)
After the completion of these food safety trainings, you’ll come to know about the right way to handle the food, risk of food spoilage become less because people are aware about the right storage temperature for specific food. These trainings help to cut down wastage of food premises that positively impact on profits. Employees will gain better understanding and appreciation for their job.

Food Safety Level 1: Food Safety Level 1 qualification is a foundation level. In this level, you will learn about the basic introduction to food safety, possible associated hazards, the importance of personal hygiene, food handling, cleaning, etc. Food Safety Level 1 covers important information on the foodborne disease, receiving and storage of food, safe food preparation, Food service, cleaning and sanitization, as well as workers safety is included in the training. Level 1 Food Safety training is provided for retail, catering, and manufacturing setups with the availability of multiple languages
It’s a training program for front-line food service employees, including chefs, waiters, dishwashers, home-based chefs, housewives, and bakery workers, as well as owners of food service establishments.
Food Safety Level 1 available in both Urdu & English languages for better understanding
Duration: One Day classroom based Training Workshop
Who should attend?
• New employees with no previous experience
• Food Workers with low-risk food handling duties
• Support workers (maintenance/kitchen porters) and food workers performing low-risk duties
• Chefs
• Home-based chefs
• Housewife
• Front line food service employees
What will you learn?
• Awareness of Food Safety
• Food Contamination and Prevention
• Procedures for safe food handling
• Personal Hygiene
• Food Safety Law
After the completion of food safety level 1, home-based chefs get knowledge about basic cleaning & hygienic practices. After getting this training wives can make safe food that would be free of any contamination.

Food Safety Level 2: This qualification is a progression level of Food Safety Level 1. It includes basic knowledge about food safety. Most popular food safety qualification that is accepted by the enforcement of officers and auditors. Food handler’s training is considered a legal requirement. Level 2 Food Safety training is provided for retail, catering, and manufacturing staff
Duration: One Day classroom based Training Workshop
Who should attend?
• High-Risk Food handlers i.e. those who have completed Matric with science
What will you learn?
• Importance of food safety procedures
• Knowledge about hazards (Microbiological, chemical, physical and allergenic) and their control
• Temperature control and stock rotation
• Good personal hygiene Practices and preventing contamination, including hand washing, protective clothing, cuts, and reporting illness
• Keeping work areas and equipment clean and safe
• Safe waste disposal
• Pest control
Food safety level 2, gives basic knowledge about how to make your food safe to those who did their Matric.

Food Safety Level 3: This practical qualification is meant for supervisors/Managers or future supervisors and managers of the Food industry
A person involved in the supervision of food handlers within a food environment is a good candidate for the Level 3 Food Hygiene course. It is advised that every food establishment have at least one person with Level 3 Food Safety, especially if that person is the supervisor in charge of the organization. In addition, Level 3 Food Safety training is provided for retail, catering, and manufacturing supervisors.
It is advised that those who oversee or manage those who handle or work with food take a Level 3 Food Safety and Hygiene training for thorough supervision & implementation across the Food chain
Duration: Three Days classroom based Training Workshop with practical implementation
Who should attend?
• Senior Hotel, café, bar & Takeaway Managers
• R&D Manager
• Quality & production manager
• Research Officers
• Food safety officers
What will you learn?
• Significance of food safety management procedures
• Food Safety Maintenance by Supervisor
• Control of microbiological, chemical, physical, and allergenic hazards
• Ensuring good temperature control
• Stock rotation
• Significance of good personal hygiene and prevention from contamination
• Ensuring cleanliness & safety of work areas and equipment
• Waste disposal and pest management
• Implementation of food safety management systems
After the completion of Food Safety level 3, caterers & manufacturers of different food business chains can follow all quality standards. They know how to maintain food quality for following basic hygienic practices.

Food Safety Level 4: An advance level for graduates, post graduates or any person who’s practicing this profession, in Food Sciences & Technology, Biochemistry, and Quality Assurance. Most importantly this level is for Trainers/instructors. Level 4 Food Safety training is provided for retail, catering, and manufacturing supervisors.
Duration: 5 Days classroom based Training Workshop with practical exercises
Who should attend?
• R&D Manager
• Academicians
• Food Safety officers
• Research officers
• Executives
• QA/QC Managers
What will you learn?
• Implementation & evaluation of a HACCP system
• Importance of effective HACCP plan in catering business
• Food safety legislation
• Pest management
• Design & construction of food premises
• Training & education of food handlers

So be a part of these internationally recognized certifications that will definitely help you to build up better career for you future.