When should food safety training be mandated for staff?

Food safety training should be mandated for staff during the onboarding of new employees, after any food safety incident, and periodically for all staff to ensure that everyone has up-to-date knowledge of safe food handling practices.

This approach is proactive, as it familiarizes new employees with the necessary protocols from the start of their employment and reinforces the importance of these practices over time. Following any food safety incident allows for immediate retraining on specific issues that may have arisen, addressing potential gaps in knowledge or practice that could lead to further problems. Additionally, periodic training keeps safety top-of-mind and helps to continuously refresh and update staff on any changes in regulations or best practices.

The other options promote a less comprehensive strategy that may overlook the importance of consistent training and preparation. Relying solely on incidents or illnesses to trigger training could lead to preventable situations, emphasizing the need for a more regular and proactive approach to food safety.