Food worker's hygiene competence certificate and health status assessment certificate

In food industry jobs, employees must know how to handle food safely and hygienically. People who handle perishable unpackaged food in food premises must demonstrate food hygiene skills with a hygiene competence certificate, i.e. with a hygiene passportCompetency tests are organized and hygiene passports are issued by testers approved by the Finnish Food Authority.

A health assessment refers to an interview conducted by a doctor or nurse at the beginning of the employment relationship at an occupational health service or health center. During the interview, the employee is emphasized good hygiene practices in food work (not to work if symptomatic, the employer is notified of a disease that may be transmitted through food, and the importance of good hand hygiene at work is emphasized and training is provided). A laboratory test (salmonella sample) is performed if the employee currently has or has had a febrile diarrheal disease in the previous month. A health assessment is required for employees who handle unpackaged, unheated food and whose employment relationship lasts at least one month. More information on thl's website.