How often should food safety training be refreshed for employees?

Food safety training should be refreshed at least annually to ensure that employees remain knowledgeable about the latest guidelines, best practices, and safety protocols. This frequency allows employees to stay updated on any changes in food safety regulations, procedures, and technologies that may have emerged since their last training session. Regular training reinforces the critical importance of food safety in preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining a safe dining environment, which is essential for customer health and satisfaction.

Training only during initial onboarding can lead to gaps in knowledge and compliance as employees may forget vital information or become less vigilant over time. Similarly, infrequent training every two years or every six months may not adequately address ongoing updates and may compromise the overall safety standards maintained by the organization. Regular annual refreshers thus serve as an effective way to reinforce a culture of food safety and ensure that all employees understand their roles in maintaining these standards.