Elementary Food Hygiene (REHIS)

Upon successful completion, candidates will achieve the following awards;
- Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) - Elementary Food Hygiene

This course is delivered as a one-day training session, combining tutor-led learning with practical guidance to support confidence in safe food handling.

This course is offered in person, and on-site delivery can be discussed for larger teams.

Scottish Borders Campus, Galashiels

For onsite delivery, please contact the Borders College enquries team.

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This course is open and accessible to anyone with an interest in developing safe food handling skills. There are no formal entry requirements, making it an ideal starting point for individuals entering hospitality, catering, care, retail, or community food roles for the first time.

It is particularly suitable for school pupils, volunteers, career changers, or those already working in a food environment who wish to gain a recognised qualification. A willingness to learn, engage with practical examples, and apply good hygiene practices is all that's needed to succeed.
This inclusive approach ensures that learners of all backgrounds can build essential food safety knowledge and take confident steps toward further training or employment.

Completing the REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene course opens the door to a range of next steps in training, education, and employment. As a widely recognised qualification at SCQF Level 5, it supports progression into roles and courses that require strong food safety awareness. Learners may progress to:

• Employment or volunteering in food-handling environments, including hospitality, catering, community food projects, care settings, and retail food service, where a food hygiene certificate is often essential.
• Further study in areas such as food preparation, professional cookery, hospitality, or health and safety, through college-based programmes or workplace learning.
• Higher-level food hygiene or food safety training, such as REHIS Intermediate Food Hygiene, to deepen knowledge and improve career prospects in supervisory or specialist roles.

This qualification helps learners build confidence, enhance employability, and meet industry expectations across multiple sectors involving food handling.

All applications will be carefully reviewed by the delivery team to confirm that eligibility criteria and entry requirements are met. Admission to the course is based on these checks and will be at the discretion of the centre.
Successful applicants will be formally enrolled and provided with a confirmed start date to begin their award.

This course is designed to equip you with theskills and knowledge aligned with the latest Regional Skills Assessment for the Scottish Borders. Upon completion, you'll be well-positioned for a range of career opportunities in high-demand sectors across the region, supporting local economic growth and employability priorities.

£102

This course provides a solid introduction to the essential principles of food hygiene and safe food handling. Learners will explore a wide range of topics that reflect the core areas outlined in the REHIS syllabus, helping them understand how to prevent contamination, maintain safe working environments, and follow legal requirements in the food industry. You will cover:

• Introduction to Food Hygiene - Understanding the importance of high hygiene standards, the consequences of poor practices, and the roles of employers and food handlers.
• Bacteria and Food Poisoning - Learning where bacteria are found, how they grow, and how food poisoning and foodborne illnesses occur, including ways to reduce risk.
• Personal Hygiene - Exploring the responsibilities of food handlers, including proper handwashing, protective clothing, and managing personal habits that may affect food safety.
• The Working Environment - Understanding how to maintain clean and hygienic food preparation areas, including correct design and maintenance of equipment, lighting, ventilation, and waste disposal.
• Common Food Pests and Their Control - Identifying food pests and learning how to prevent and manage infestations safely and legally.
• Cleaning and Disinfection - Learning effective cleaning methods and understanding the difference between cleaning and disinfecting to prevent cross-contamination.
• Food Safety Legislation - Gaining awareness of key food laws, including the responsibilities placed on food handlers and food business operators.

By exploring these areas, learners develop practical knowledge that can be applied across hospitality, catering, retail, community groups, and any role involving food handling.

Get in touch for further information, we’re here to help.

01896 66 26 00

enquiries@borderscollege.ac.uk