International Award Winning Training System Is Set To Save the Catering
Food Safety 2000, winner of the International Gold Award at the IFCA (Catering) Conference in Nice on 18th February 2000, could save the Catering Industry millions of pounds a year in training costs.
The innovative computer based training system, produced by Highfield Publications in partnership with Creative Marketing Media, has also been commended by the UK's Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene as having "outstanding quality and merit as a self-study learning package for the Royal Institute's First Certificate in Food Safety".
Food Safety 2000 is a complete food hygiene training system, which provides induction, first level and refresher training for around £1 per person per year. The system is based on the Food Hygiene Handbook by Richard A Sprenger, which has sold over 1.5 million copies in 10 languages worldwide.
The design is characterised by short lessons that include definitions, examples and practice exercises. Rich multimedia is used throughout including sound, video, animation, photographs and interactions. Topics are illustrated with bright, clear visuals with the key learning points appearing as bullet points and definitions. The professional narration elaborates on the key facts and provides additional sensory input.
Frequent questions with feedback are provided to build patterns of correct associations. Exercises serve to convert new skills into knowledge. Interactions such as 'Checking Deliveries' and 'Safe Storage' encourage the learner to apply their knowledge in an appropriate and familiar context. This method is not only highly effective at moving information into long-term memory, it also promotes efficient recall by encouraging the learner to associate new knowledge with actual work activities and scenarios. If a mistake is made, corrective feedback is given - followed by an opportunity to try again. Additional support during exercises comes in the form of a hint button and help screens.
The manager or supervisor has the choice of setting the pace of learning for each individual to either standard or refresher training. Standard pace requires the learner to complete each module before attempting the end of module assessment, whilst the refresher pace enables those who already have a good basic knowledge to skip topics they already know. The pass mark in either case is 100%, ensuring that learners have a complete understanding of each topic before moving on. Passing all 15 modules leads to the award of a certificate featuring the RIPHH logo.
Highfield are already translating the resource into various different languages and adding new functionality. Initially there is to be several updates each year, with the system building up to be a comprehensive training and assessment system for induction, awareness, first level, intermediate and refresher training. They are also adapting the program for group training presentation via a digital projector.
Various purchase options are available for the training program including a 3-year licence (up to 100 users) for £300+VAT. Annual licence holders will receive all major upgrades free of charge for the duration of their licence.
A free demonstration CD-ROM can be ordered from the website at