Compliance with basic hygiene rules is the basis of proper food handling. Since many foods are an ideal breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, particularly high hygienic requirements apply to them. Transmission in everyday working life happens quickly, but can be avoided.
Compliance with hygiene rules
Instruction for employees according to § 43 infection protection
All employees who handle food require certain knowledge about the risks of infection and hygiene rules when handling food. The legislator has imposed certain obligations on employees and employers. These obligations are set out in Section 43 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG).
Initial instruction is provided by the public health department:
- Instruction for full-time employees: People who work with food require knowledge of infection risks and hygiene rules. Workers must be instructed verbally and in writing before starting work in the food sector. This instruction may be given by the public health department no more than three months before starting work. The certificate must not be more than three months old when the employee starts work. If the employee changes employer, the certificate remains valid. In this case, the employer must provide in-house instruction. An overview of the instruction for employees in the food sector can be found in the leaflet from the Baden-Württemberg State Health Office. (opens in a new tab)
- Simplified instruction for volunteers: For voluntary helpers at club festivals and similar events with a maximum working time of three days per year, it is sufficient if you follow the guidelines and instructions in the information sheet on avoiding food infections (opens in a new tab).