Food Handling Course in Malta: A Mandatory Requirement for Food Industry Workers

If you plan to work in Malta’s hospitality, catering, food production, or retail food sectors, obtaining a Food Handling Licence is often a legal requirement. Malta maintains strict food safety regulations to protect public health, and all food handlers must complete approved food handling training before applying for a Food Handler’s Card.

Under Malta’s Registration of Food Handlers Regulations (L.N. 178 of 2001), individuals working with food must complete an approved food handling course and register with the Food Safety Commission. This requirement applies to both Maltese nationals and foreign workers seeking employment in the food industry.

What is a Food Handling Course?

A Food Handling Course is a food safety training program designed to educate workers on proper hygiene practices, food storage procedures, contamination prevention, allergen management, and legal food safety requirements.

The course helps ensure that food served to the public is safe for consumption and that businesses comply with Malta’s food safety regulations.

Official information regarding registration requirements for food handlers can be found through the Malta Food Safety Commission and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Department.

What Does the Food Handling Course Cover?

Approved Food Handling Courses in Malta typically cover:

  • Personal hygiene and workplace cleanliness
  • Food contamination hazards
  • Cross-contamination prevention
  • Safe food preparation techniques
  • Food storage requirements
  • Temperature control and monitoring
  • Cleaning and disinfection procedures
  • Food allergens and allergen management
  • Pest control awareness
  • Food safety legislation in Malta
  • Responsibilities of food handlers

Training providers also focus on practical workplace scenarios to help employees apply food safety principles in restaurants, hotels, cafes, catering establishments, and food manufacturing facilities.

Types of Food Handling Licences in Malta

Food Handling Licence A

Food Handling Licence A is intended for workers who do not directly prepare food but may handle packaged food or work within food service environments.

Examples include:

  • Waiters and waitresses
  • Bar staff
  • Cashiers
  • Delivery personnel
  • Pot wash staff
  • Food runners
  • Supermarket employees handling packaged products

Licence A is generally valid for two years after successful completion of the course.

Food Handling Licence B

Food Handling Licence B is designed for workers who directly prepare, cook, process, or handle open food.

Examples include:

  • Chefs
  • Sous chefs
  • Pastry chefs
  • Bakers
  • Butchers
  • Kitchen assistants
  • Caterers
  • Food production workers
  • Childcare workers involved in food preparation
  • Teachers supervising food preparation activities

Licence B is generally valid for five years after successful completion.

How Much Does a Food Handling Course Cost in Malta?

The cost varies depending on the training provider and whether the course is delivered online or in person.

Typical fees include:

Course Type Approximate Cost
Food Handling Licence A €25 – €30
Food Handling Licence B €28 – €40
HACCP Training €45 and above

Many licensed providers now offer fully online courses, allowing learners to complete the training at their own pace.

How Long Does the Course Take?

The duration depends on the licence category.

Licence A

Typically requires:

  • Around 2.5 hours of training
  • Approximately 30 minutes for assessment or examination

Licence B

Typically requires:

  • Around 4.5 hours of training
  • Approximately 30 minutes for assessment or examination

Some classroom-based providers also offer one-day intensive courses lasting approximately 8 hours.

Benefits of Completing a Food Handling Course in Malta

1. Legal Compliance

The course helps workers comply with Malta’s food safety regulations and is often mandatory for employment in food-related sectors.

2. Improved Employment Opportunities

Many employers in Malta’s hospitality and catering sectors require candidates to possess a valid Food Handling Licence before starting work.

3. Essential for Work Permit Applications

Certain employers recruiting non-EU workers may require food handling certification as part of employment onboarding processes.

4. Enhanced Food Safety Knowledge

Workers learn how to prevent foodborne illnesses, contamination, and allergen-related incidents.

5. Increased Professional Credibility

Holding a recognised Food Handling Licence demonstrates professionalism and commitment to maintaining food safety standards.

6. Better Career Prospects

Food safety qualifications can improve opportunities for promotion within restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and food manufacturing businesses.

Who Must Complete a Food Handling Course in Malta?

The following professions commonly require a Food Handling Licence:

Hospitality Industry

  • Chefs
  • Kitchen porters
  • Pastry chefs
  • Bakers
  • Restaurant staff
  • Hotel food service employees

Catering Services

  • Catering assistants
  • Event caterers
  • Mobile food vendors
  • Food truck operators

Retail Food Businesses

  • Supermarket staff
  • Delicatessen workers
  • Butchers
  • Fishmongers

Food Manufacturing

  • Production operators
  • Packaging personnel
  • Quality control assistants

Education and Childcare

  • Childcare workers
  • School kitchen staff
  • Teachers supervising food activities

Healthcare and Community Services

  • Care home kitchen staff
  • Hospital catering personnel

How to Obtain a Food Handler’s Card in Malta

After completing an approved Food Handling Course, applicants can apply for a Food Handler’s Card through the Food Safety Commission.

Applicants generally need:

  • A valid food handling course certificate
  • A passport-sized photograph
  • Required registration documents completed by an authorised tutor

The Food Handler’s Card must be available for inspection during employment.

Final Thoughts

Malta’s food industry continues to grow, creating opportunities for local and foreign workers across hospitality, catering, retail, and food manufacturing sectors. Completing a Food Handling Course is not only a legal requirement for many food-related roles but also an important step toward building a successful career in Malta.

Whether you are applying for a chef position, working in a hotel restaurant, joining a catering company, or seeking employment in food production, obtaining the appropriate Food Handling Licence can improve your employability while helping maintain the highest standards of food safety and public health.