Is HACCP training compulsory? Guide & infos 2024

HACCP Training: Is It Mandatory?

HACCP training allows catering professionals to control food safety within their establishments, aiming to minimize hygiene-related risks. 

This training helps understand and manage the critical hygiene points in food service. Keep reading this article to learn more about mandatory HACCP training.

Before diving deeper, feel free to read our article on the HACCP method. 

What Are the Regulatory Requirements for HACCP Training?

Yes, HACCP training is mandatory for anyone working in an establishment that handles food products. The rules surrounding the organization of mandatory HACCP training are quite flexible. This training can be provided by an accredited third-party organization. In that case, HACCP training is delivered over 14 hours by a qualified professional and concludes with an official certificate. If someone on your team already has this certificate or a professional diploma (CAP / BEP / BTS in food service or food trades) obtained after 2006, you can also organize the training internally. In that case, it must include instructions compliant with HACCP regulations, best practice guidance, and knowledge sharing. 

Octopus HACCP offers a free monthly HACCP training via video conferencing. While it doesn’t issue a certificate, it’s very useful for mastering hygiene best practices in your restaurant. Sign up — it’s free!

Commercial catering includes traditional restaurants, cafeterias and self-service, fast food, and takeaway services. If you run a commercial food establishment, you are required to supplement your staff’s initial training with hygiene training tailored to your specific activity.

Is a HACCP Training Certificate Mandatory?

Mastering good hygiene practices by those handling food is essential for ensuring consumer safety and avoiding outbreaks of foodborne illness. HACCP training certifies that participants are qualified to comply with food hygiene standards. It helps ensure compliance with current sanitary control plans and hygiene practices relevant to their specific field.

After completing the training sessions, participants receive a certificate confirming they have acquired the necessary knowledge to operate in compliance with the HACCP method. These certificates must be kept and presented during health inspections.

To obtain this certification, you must complete a two-day (14-hour) training session. This can be done off-site with a trainer, on-site in your kitchen, or via video conference. After the mandatory HACCP training is completed, you’ll receive a certificate proving your ability to apply the method’s principles. 

This certificate serves as proof of certification and enables professionals to implement hygiene best practices in their establishments.

What Are the Objectives of Mandatory HACCP Training?

HACCP food hygiene training helps catering professionals organize food handling activities under conditions that comply with French and European regulations and the HACCP method. The manager can rely on a team trained in food hygiene practices and procedures. 

In addition to mandatory HACCP training, the manager is required to implement HACCP monitoring within their restaurant.

With the Octopus HACCP app, teams are guided on which HACCP checks to perform. It saves time during data entry phases (receiving, traceability, temperature tracking…) and secures traceability data for self-checks and official health inspections.

Which Establishments, Structures, and Professions Are Affected?

HACCP training is mandatory for any establishment serving food to customers. Therefore, all commercial catering businesses offering immediate consumption or takeaway services must comply.

The goal of HACCP training is to improve hygiene conditions in restaurants or commercial food service establishments. It also helps implement a sanitary control plan (PMS) describing the measures taken by the establishment to ensure food hygiene and safety against physical, biological, and chemical hazards.

In case of a government inspection, restaurateurs must provide proof that they have completed HACCP training. An accreditation number issued by the DRAAF (Regional Directorate for Food, Agriculture, and Forestry) will appear on the final certificate belonging to the trainer.

Establishments required to undergo HACCP training include:

• Traditional restaurants;
• Tea rooms preparing and selling pastries;
• Hotels or clubs with a tea room;
• Fast-food restaurants;
• Mobile restaurants (food trucks);
• Dark kitchens;
• Food trades with standing consumption areas;
• Restaurants in transportation facilities;
• Associations regularly preparing hot meals.

To attend HACCP training, contact organizations registered with the regional prefect. Visit your local Regional Directorate for Food, Agriculture, and Forestry (DRAAF) to find a list of certified training providers. No renewal is required once the HACCP training is completed. 

How Many People Must Hold the HACCP Certificate in a Restaurant?

Since 2012, it has been mandatory for commercial food establishments to have at least one employee with an HACCP certificate. This person is designated the “HACCP referent.” They may be qualified by completing the 14-hour certified training or holding a post-2006 food service or culinary diploma.

What Does the Law Say About HACCP Training Requirements?

The obligation to undergo hygiene training compliant with HACCP methodology is stated in Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 of April 24, 2004. It specifies that “food handlers must be supervised and provided with instructions and/or training in food hygiene appropriate to their work activity.”

Article L. 233-4 of the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code (CRPM) refers to the specific training required for commercial catering organizations. It states the obligation to “have at least one employee who has completed food hygiene training.” The June 24, 2011 decree lists the types of establishments concerned and sets conditions for training providers.

If training obligations are found to be unmet during a health inspection, the law first requires that the training be completed within a given period. If not, a fifth-class fine (starting at €1,500) is applied.

Can Anyone Be Exempt From HACCP Training?

Not all food sellers are subject to the HACCP certificate requirement. The following are exempt from mandatory HACCP training:

• Private chefs (home cooks);
• Food trades selling products without seating or on-site consumption;
• Guesthouse meals, provided they are single dishes made from local products served at a family-style table;
• Holders of diplomas earned after 2006 (CAP, BEP, BTS, specialized BAC);
• Professionals with at least three years of experience as a food service manager or operator.

Can HACCP Training Be Funded?

HACCP training typically costs between €200 and €1,500 depending on the provider. It can be fully funded by the candidate’s personal training account (CPF), so they don’t have to pay upfront. Depending on the available CPF balance, the training can be partially or fully covered.

Learn More About the HACCP Process

To explore the HACCP approach further, read the following resources:

• HACCP Kitchen Cleaning Plan

• What Is Traceability in Food Service?

• Refrigerator Temperature Control

And check out our HACCP app to ensure hygiene and food safety. Our teams are here to help you better understand HACCP-related regulations.