What is the first step in planning a food safety training program?

The first step in planning a food safety training program is to identify the training needs. This foundational step involves assessing the knowledge and skill gaps among staff regarding food safety practices. By understanding what specific areas require training, you can tailor the program to address the actual needs of the participants, ensuring that the training is relevant and effective.

Identifying the training needs helps in determining the appropriate topics to be covered, aligning with the regulations and best practices in food safety. Furthermore, it allows for a more strategic approach in planning the subsequent stages of the training program, including selecting training resources and developing a training calendar, which are subsequent steps in the planning process.

Thus, starting with a clear understanding of the training needs sets the groundwork for a successful food safety training initiative.