FIFTEEN people representing various food outlets, schools, care homes and nurseries were given some extra training in food safety at Fenland Hall this month.

They got the one-day course free as their prize for winning a competition to launch the new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) in November.

As well as receiving general instructions on safe procedures, they took part in various group discussions and activities, including designing a kitchen, looking at temperature control, work flow and ways of preventing cross contamination.

They also did an exercise testing how thoroughly they washed their hands.

All the participants gained the Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering, a qualification recommended for anyone working in a catering or retail setting where food is prepared, cooked or handled. It is suggested that the qualification is refreshed at least every three years.

The course was organised by Fenland District Council’s food and safety team.

Councillor Peter Murphy, FDC’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We organised the free day for these people as a reward for their efforts in helping us to promote the new FHRS scheme.

“Everyone who works with food has a special responsibility for safeguarding consumers’ health and ensuring that any food they sell or serve is completely safe to eat and this kind of training is vital for that.”

• Four more full-day courses are scheduled this year, as well as other half-day ones. For details of these and other courses, visit www.fenland.gov.uk/article/2117/Food-Safety, e-mail environmentalservicerequests@fenland.gov.uk or call FDC’s food and safety team on 01354 654321.