FDQ Limited · RQF Level 2
FDQ Level 2 Certificate For Proficiency in Fresh Produce Industry Skills
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 2
- Total credits27
- Guided learning86 hours
- Units in this qualification112
Awarded by FDQ Limited · on the Ofqual register
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See how this course maps onto your role
Ten quick questions, one per Future Fluency, asked against this qualification rather than a generic one.
About 5 minutes · No card · Nothing to commit to
What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
Aimed at those employed in the fresh produce sector, this Level 2 certificate focuses on core industry skills. Learners will develop competence in areas like receiving goods, produce packaging, and food safety systems based on HACCP principles. It also includes understanding weights, measures, and grading techniques.
These are the units FDQ Limited registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Carry out disinfection in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for disinfection activities in food operations, ensuring all necessary equipment and materials are available and ready for use
- Carry out disinfection procedures in food operations, following established protocols and safety guidelines
Carry out product changeovers in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for product changeovers in food manufacture in a way that minimises down-time.
- Prepare for product changeovers in food manufacture in a way that minimises waste.
- Carry out product changeovers in food manufacture.
- Complete product changeovers in food manufacture.
Carry out task hand-over procedures in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Hand over responsibility for a task to another person, providing clear and concise instructions.
- Hand over relevant information about the task, including progress made, any issues encountered, and any specific requirements.
- Confirm that the person taking over the task understands the instructions and is capable of completing the task.
- Take over responsibility for a task from another person, ensuring you understand the instructions and requirements.
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure a full understanding of the task and any associated issues.
- Confirm your understanding of the task and your ability to complete it to the person handing over responsibility.
Clean in place _CIP_ plant and equipment in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to clean in place (CIP) plant and equipment in food operations, ensuring all necessary safety precautions are taken and equipment is ready for the cleaning process.
- Carry out clean in place (CIP) procedures on plant and equipment in food operations, following established protocols and guidelines to ensure effective cleaning.
- Complete clean in place (CIP) processes, verifying the effectiveness of the cleaning and documenting the procedure according to organisational requirements.
Communicate information and knowledgeReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Identify the information required for communication in a given situation, and assess its reliability and relevance
- Understand a range of communication techniques and methods, including verbal, non-verbal, and written communication
- Communicate information and knowledge effectively using appropriate techniques and methods, ensuring clarity and accuracy
- Adapt communication techniques and methods according to the target audience response, adjusting the message and delivery to ensure understanding and engagement
Contribute to continuous improvement for achieving excellence in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Identify potential areas for improvement in the workplace, focusing on processes, procedures, and working practices within food operations
- Share and communicate own ideas for improvement with colleagues and supervisors, contributing to a collaborative approach to problem-solving
- Agree on a plan for implementing improvements, test the proposed changes, and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented improvements in achieving desired outcomes
Contribute to environmental safety in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute to maintaining workplace environmental safety by following established procedures and guidelines.
- Contribute to the identification and reporting of potential environmental hazards in the workplace.
- Contribute to the implementation of environmental safety measures in food operations.
Contribute to keeping the workplace secure in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Identify and report potential security risks in the food operations workplace, following established procedures
- Follow procedures for dealing with identified security risks, including escalation and reporting to appropriate personnel
Contribute to maintaining stock security and minimising losses in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute to the maintenance of security by adhering to established specifications and procedures within the food operation
- Contribute to the monitoring of stock losses by identifying discrepancies and reporting them according to organisational procedures
- Contribute to the investigation of security problems by gathering information and providing support to relevant personnel
- Implement established procedures to deal with security alerts, ensuring the safety and security of the food operation
Contribute to problem diagnosis in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute to identifying problems that occur during food manufacture.
- Contribute to the diagnosis of problems in food manufacture, using appropriate techniques and information.
- Contribute to the reporting of problems identified and diagnosed during food manufacture to the appropriate personnel.
Contribute to problem resolution in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute to identifying the underlying causes of problems in food manufacture
- Contribute to implementing effective solutions to address problems in food manufacture
- Contribute to reporting on planned actions and progress towards resolving problems in food manufacture
Contribute to the effectiveness of food retail operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Organise own work activities effectively within food and drink retail operations, taking into account priorities and deadlines.
- Contribute to the improvement of food and drink retail operations by identifying areas for enhancement and suggesting potential solutions.
Control fresh produce chopping operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for the chopping of fresh produce in accordance with workplace procedures
- Control the chopping of fresh produce to meet specified requirements
- Finish fresh produce chopping operations, ensuring adherence to safety and hygiene standards
Control fresh produce drying operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for drying fresh produce, ensuring the equipment is ready and the produce is suitable
- Control the machine drying of fresh produce to achieve the required moisture content and quality
- Finish fresh produce drying operations, ensuring correct storage and documentation
Control fresh produce grading operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for grading fresh produce, ensuring the grading equipment is calibrated and ready for use
- Control the machine grading of fresh produce to meet specified quality standards and customer requirements
- Finish fresh produce grading operations, ensuring accurate recording of grades and appropriate handling of rejected produce
Control fresh produce peeling operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for peeling fresh produce, ensuring the correct equipment and resources are available and ready for use
- Control the peeling of fresh produce, maintaining consistent quality and minimising waste
- Finish fresh produce peeling operations, including the correct disposal of waste and cleaning of the work area
Control fresh produce ripening operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Establish fresh produce in a ripening facility, ensuring correct placement and environmental conditions
- Maintain fresh produce in a ripening facility, monitoring temperature, humidity and other relevant factors
- Unload ripening facilities, handling produce carefully to avoid damage and preparing it for further processing or distribution
Control fresh produce washing operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to wash fresh produce, ensuring the washing equipment is ready and the water quality is suitable
- Control the washing of fresh produce to meet hygiene and quality standards
- Finish produce washing operations, ensuring produce is correctly drained and the washing area is cleaned
Control labelling in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for labelling activities, ensuring adherence to the required specifications.
- Carry out labelling tasks in accordance with the defined specifications.
- Finish labelling processes according to the specified procedures.
Control manual size reduction in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the work area, equipment and materials for manual size reduction
- Carry out manual size reduction techniques effectively
- Finish manual size reduction tasks according to workplace procedures
Control packaging in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for packaging operations in accordance with specified requirements and standards
- Carry out packaging activities in accordance with the given specifications
- Complete packaging operations according to established specifications and organisational procedures
Control size reduction in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the work area, equipment, and materials required for size reduction processes in food manufacture, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are met.
- Carry out size reduction operations on food materials, following specified procedures and parameters to achieve the desired particle size and consistency.
- Finish size reduction processes, including cleaning equipment, disposing of waste materials, and storing processed food materials appropriately.
Control slicing in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare equipment and materials for slicing food products according to specified requirements
- Carry out slicing operations, adhering to product specifications and quality standards
- Finish slicing processes according to established procedures, ensuring product integrity and presentation
Control the non-invasive testing of produceReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to test fresh produce, ensuring the testing area is ready and equipment is calibrated
- Test the quality of fresh produce using non-invasive methods, recording results accurately
- Finish fresh produce testing operations, storing produce correctly and cleaning the testing area
Control the production of fresh produce product labelsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare fresh produce labels, ensuring they meet the required specifications and regulatory standards
- Form labels for fresh produce, ensuring correct placement and adhesion
- Print labels for fresh produce, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and legibility of information
Control the production of ready-to-eat fresh produce productsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to produce ready-to-eat fresh produce, ensuring all equipment and resources are available and meet hygiene standards
- Prepare ready-to-eat fresh produce according to specified recipes and quality standards
- Finish ready-to-eat production operations, including packaging, labelling, and storage in accordance with food safety regulations
Control washing and drying machinery in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare washing and drying machinery for operation according to the relevant specifications and procedures
- Operate washing and drying machinery effectively, adhering to the required specifications and procedures
- Shut down washing and drying machinery safely and correctly, following established procedures
Control weighing in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to weigh food products in accordance with established company procedures and guidelines
- Carry out weighing operations accurately and efficiently, adhering to company procedures
Control wrapping in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare for wrapping food products according to specified product requirements and workplace procedures
- Carry out wrapping of food products according to specified product requirements and workplace procedures
- Finish wrapping processes according to specified procedures, ensuring quality and adherence to standards
Cut fresh produce by handReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to cut fresh produce by hand in accordance with workplace procedures
- Cut fresh produce by hand to meet the required specifications
- Maintain equipment and the workstation in a clean and safe condition when cutting by hand
- Finish hand cutting operations, disposing of waste and cleaning the work area
Display food products in a retail environmentReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the retail environment for displaying food and drink products
- Label displays of food and drink products accurately and informatively
- Arrange and maintain food and drink products attractively for display
- Empty and clean the food and drink product display area according to hygiene standards
Grade fresh produce by handReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the work area and resources required to grade fresh produce by hand, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations
- Grade fresh produce by hand according to specified quality standards and organisational procedures
- Finish hand grading operations, including the correct disposal of waste and cleaning of the work area
Lift and handle materials safely in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Follow specified lifting and handling instructions in food operations
- Operate handling equipment safely and correctly
- Transport materials safely within the food operations environment
Maintain product quality in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Conduct quality checks on products in food operations
- Communicate the results of quality checks on products in food operations
Maintain workplace food safety standards in operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Keep the workspace clean and tidy in accordance with food safety standards
- Maintain food safety standards in all operational activities
Maintain workplace health and safety in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Work within defined organisational safety limits in food operations.
- Follow organisational emergency procedures in food operations.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly in food operations.
Operate central control systems in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Use central control systems to monitor and adjust parameters in food manufacture.
- Interpret data from central control systems to identify deviations from set points.
- Input data and commands into central control systems to control processes.
- Recognise common problems that can occur when using central control systems.
- Diagnose the causes of problems in central control systems.
- Implement appropriate solutions to overcome problems using control systems, following established procedures.
Plan and organise own work activities in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Plan and organise their own work activities to meet required deadlines
- Work effectively as part of a team in a food manufacturing environment
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace
Prepare orders for despatch in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the necessary resources and documentation to assemble orders accurately and efficiently
- Assemble orders according to customer specifications and organisational procedures
- Prepare orders for despatch, ensuring correct packaging and labelling
- Finish order preparation by completing necessary documentation and quality checks
Prepare to receive goods and materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare and update documentation related to incoming goods and materials, ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Prepare work areas and equipment to receive deliveries, ensuring they are clean, safe, and ready for use
- Ensure that vehicles delivering goods and materials conform to relevant safety and hygiene specifications
- Ensure that goods and materials received conform to specified quality, quantity, and temperature requirements
Principles of HACCP based food safety systemsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose and benefits of implementing a HACCP system
- Understand the key features and terminology associated with HACCP
- Understand how a HACCP system is applied in a specific workplace setting
Principles of bar coding in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the form and data capture methods used in bar codes within food operations.
- Understand the infrastructure required to implement and maintain bar coding systems in a food environment.
- Understand the organisation and control procedures necessary for effective bar coding in food operations.
Principles of cleaning raw food materialsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the rationale for using cleaning and separation technology in the processing of raw food materials
- Understand the processes involved in cleaning raw food materials without using water
- Understand the processes involved in cleaning raw food materials using water
Principles of continuous improvement techniques _Kaizen_ in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the key features and importance of Kaizen activity in food operations.
- Understand the criteria and requirements for Kaizen and problem solving within food operations.
- Understand how to interact effectively with Kaizen activity in food operations.
Principles of fresh produce handling and qualityReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the causes of produce contamination and spoilage, and appropriate handling techniques to minimise these risks
- Describe the methods used for measuring and assessing the quality of fresh produce
- Identify the key quality parameters used to assess fresh produce
- Implement procedures for controlling the quality and ensuring the food safety of fresh produce
Principles of fresh produce packaging and preservationReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Identify different packaging types used for fresh produce and their specific applications
- Explain the quality characteristics of fresh produce packaging and the associated storage requirements
- Describe various methods used for preserving fresh produce
- Analyse the impact of legislative and voluntary packaging standards on businesses involved with fresh produce
Principles of fresh produce ripeningReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the features of ripe and un-ripe produce, including visual characteristics, texture, and flavour profiles, and their assessment methods.
- Understand the natural ripening process of fresh produce, including the physiological and biochemical changes that occur.
- Understand the produce ripening process in the supply chain, from harvest to consumer.
- Understand the planning, handling and storage requirements for ripening produce, considering factors such as temperature, humidity, and ethylene control.
Principles of fresh produce wholesalingReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the roles of different operators within the fresh produce market, the facilities they use, and the financial systems involved
- Identify the sources of fresh produce and explain the impact of seasonality on supply
- Explain the processes involved in the transport, distribution, and pricing of fresh produce
- Evaluate the impact of produce quality and environmental factors on the wholesaling process
Principles of packing and labelling food products in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the steps required to prepare for packing food products
- Describe the steps required to prepare for labelling food products
- Demonstrate how to carry out packing of food products in food manufacture
- Demonstrate how to carry out labelling of food products in food manufacture
Principles of paper and board packaging in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the sources and business uses of paper and board packaging in food operations
- Describe paper processing methods and assess the suitability of paper as a packaging material for different food products
- Describe board processing methods and assess the suitability of board as a packaging material for different food products
- Explain the promotional role of paper and board packaging and describe appropriate disposal arrangements
Principles of plastic and cellulose films in food and drinkReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the sources and business use of plastic and cellulose films in the food and drink industry
- Understand cellulose processing methods and assess its suitability as a packaging film for food and drink products
- Understand polythene-based processing methods and assess its suitability as a packaging film for food and drink products
- Understand polycarbonate-based processing methods and assess its suitability as a packaging material for food and drink products
- Understand the promotional role of plastic and cellulose-based packaging and the disposal arrangements for these materials
Principles of product quality and improvements in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to maintain product quality in food operations, adhering to relevant standards and procedures.
- Understand how to contribute to continuous improvements in food operations, identifying opportunities for enhancement.
Principles of sorting and grading produce and food materialsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the definitions of sorting and grading food materials, differentiating between the two processes and their respective objectives.
- Understand the rationale for sorting and grading food materials, recognising the benefits for quality control, product consistency, and market value.
- Understand the different types of equipment used for sorting food materials, including their operating principles, capabilities, and limitations.
- Understand the various methods used for sorting food materials, including manual and automated techniques, and their suitability for different products.
- Understand the quality factors used in grading food materials, including size, shape, colour, texture, and defects, and their impact on grade classification.
- Understand the application of grading standards in the food industry, including regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Principles of sustainability in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the core principles of sustainability as they apply to food operations, including environmental, social, and economic considerations
- Understand the various factors that can affect the achievement of sustainability targets in food operations, such as resource consumption, waste generation, and energy efficiency
- Understand the factors that affect the level of support for sustainability targets from different stakeholders within food operations, including employees, management, and external organisations
- Understand the key factors that influence the successful achievement of sustainability goals within food operations, including effective planning, resource management, and stakeholder engagement
Principles of the fresh produce handling systemsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the characteristics of different fresh produce handling systems, including their advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for various types of produce.
- Understand the impact of handling systems on produce quality, including potential damage, bruising, and spoilage, and the use of additives in fluid transfer systems to maintain quality.
- Understand the impact of packing and storage methods on produce quality, including the effects of temperature, humidity, and atmosphere control.
Principles of the fresh produce supply chainReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Explain the structure of the fresh produce supply chain and the roles of growers and co-operatives within it
- Describe import and export standards relevant to fresh produce, and the functions of markets and pre-packers
- Evaluate the importance of different organisations and factors that influence the fresh produce supply chain
Principles of using and storing materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to store ingredients and materials correctly in food operations, maintaining their quality and safety
- Understand how to handle ingredients and materials correctly in food operations, preventing contamination and damage
- Understand the systems used to control the handling of materials in food operations, ensuring traceability and compliance
- Understand the systems used to control the storage of materials in food operations, maintaining optimal conditions and preventing spoilage
Principles of weights and measures in food technologyReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the legal and regulatory requirements for weighing and measuring food and drink products, including trading standards legislation and labelling regulations.
- Understand the processes of weighing and measuring food and drink products, including the use of different types of weighing equipment and measurement techniques.
- Understand how to quality assure the weighing and measuring of food and drink products, including calibration procedures and regular checks to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Produce individual packs by hand in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare to produce packs by hand in food operations, including gathering necessary materials, equipment, and documentation
- Carry out production of packs by hand in food operations, following established procedures and quality standards
- Finish production of packs by hand in food operations, including labelling, sealing, and preparing packs for storage or distribution
Receive goods and materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Check and handle deliveries of goods and materials, verifying quantities, quality, and expiry dates against delivery notes and purchase orders.
- Update records and stock control systems, accurately recording received goods and materials to maintain inventory accuracy.
- Complete goods and material intake, ensuring proper storage and rotation of stock to prevent spoilage and maintain traceability.
Report and record production operations in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Record operational activities accurately and completely in food manufacture
- Report on operational activities clearly and concisely in food manufacture
Sculpt fresh produce by handReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the necessary tools, equipment and materials required to sculpt fresh produce by hand
- Sculpt fresh produce by hand to meet the required specifications
- Maintain equipment and the workstation in a clean and safe condition when sculpting fresh produce by hand
- Finish hand sculpting operations in accordance with workplace procedures
Sell food products in a retail environmentReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Establish customer needs effectively when selling food products in a retail environment, using appropriate questioning and listening techniques.
- Satisfy customer needs by providing relevant information, offering suitable product recommendations, and addressing any queries or concerns.
- Process the sale of food and drink products accurately and efficiently, adhering to organisational procedures for payment processing and handling transactions.
Sell fresh produce on the wholesale marketReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Establish a wholesale display of fresh produce that is visually appealing and meets hygiene standards
- Establish customer needs for fresh produce through effective communication and questioning techniques
- Process sales of fresh produce accurately and efficiently, adhering to company procedures
Shut down plant and equipment in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Implement shut-down procedures for plant and equipment in food manufacture, following established protocols and safety guidelines
- Complete the shut down of plant and equipment in food manufacture, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to safely and effectively cease operations
Slice and bag individual food productsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Slice individual food products to the required thickness and size
- Bag individual food products, ensuring correct packaging and labelling
Start up plant and equipment in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare plant and equipment for start-up according to manufacturer's instructions and organisational procedures
- Start up plant and equipment safely and efficiently, following established procedures
- Evaluate the start-up process, identifying any issues or deviations from expected performance
- Record and report any issues encountered during the start-up of plant and equipment
Store and retrieve informationReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the processes and procedures for storing information effectively
- Understand the processes and procedures for retrieving information efficiently
- Store information accurately and securely
- Retrieve information promptly and effectively
Store goods and materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Select goods and materials for storage, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards.
- Handle goods and materials safely to prevent damage or contamination.
- Handle goods and materials hygienically to maintain food safety standards.
- Store goods and materials in allocated locations according to organisational procedures.
- Store goods and materials in a manner that prevents spoilage, damage, or contamination.
- Check documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Complete documentation accurately and legibly to maintain proper records.
The principles of food safety for manufacturingReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how individuals can take personal responsibility for maintaining food safety standards in a manufacturing environment.
- Understand the importance of maintaining personal cleanliness and hygiene to prevent food contamination.
- Understand how to ensure that working areas are kept clean and hygienic to minimise the risk of food safety hazards.
- Understand the importance of implementing procedures to keep food products safe from contamination and spoilage.
Understand how to avoid contamination and complete cleaning in place _CIP_ of plant and equipment in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Describe methods to avoid contamination during cleaning in place (CIP) procedures
- Explain how to complete cleaning in place (CIP) of plant and equipment according to established procedures
Understand how to carry out disinfection in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know about the legal and organisational requirements for disinfection in food operations, including relevant legislation and standards.
- Carry out disinfection procedures effectively, using appropriate cleaning agents and techniques.
- Complete disinfection processes, including documentation and verification of effectiveness.
Understand how to carry out product changeovers in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the regulatory and organisational requirements for carrying out product changeovers in food manufacture
- Carry out product changeovers effectively and efficiently
- Identify and deal with problems that may arise during product changeovers
Understand how to carry out task hand-over procedures in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Carry out task hand-over procedures in food manufacture, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
Understand how to contribute to continuous improvement for achieving excellence in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know about the importance of continuous improvement in food operations.
- Know about the resources and measures to support a continuous improvement activity in food operations.
- Support and communicate continuous improvement activity in food operations.
Understand how to contribute to environmental safety in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Comply with environmental safety requirements in food operations.
- Recognise environmental damage in food operations.
- Work in a way that reduces environmental damage in food operations.
Understand how to contribute to keeping the workplace secure in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know how workplace security can be compromised in food operations.
- Contribute to preventing security breaches in the workplace.
- Respond appropriately to breaches of security in the workplace.
Understand how to contribute to maintaining stock security and minimising losses in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the legal and organisational requirements for maintaining stock security in food operations.
- Know the potential consequences of stock losses, including financial and reputational damage.
- Know about the company's documented procedures for maintaining stock security, including access control and inventory management.
- Know about the company's procedures for reporting and investigating stock discrepancies.
- Implement security procedures to prevent stock losses, such as checking deliveries and monitoring stock levels.
- Identify and report potential security breaches, such as unauthorised access or suspicious behaviour.
- Deal with security breaches in accordance with company procedures, including reporting to the appropriate personnel.
Understand how to contribute to problem diagnosis in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute to identifying problems in your area of work within food manufacture.
- Contribute to analysing and reporting problems within your work area in food manufacture.
Understand how to contribute to problem resolution in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Contribute to identifying problems in your area of work and how to communicate these to colleagues in food manufacture.
- Contribute to identifying resolutions to problems in food manufacture.
Understand how to contribute to the effectiveness of food retail operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Organise work activities to optimise effectiveness in a food retail environment, considering factors such as time management and resource allocation.
- Contribute to the improvement of retail operations by identifying areas for improvement and suggesting potential solutions to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Understand how to control fresh produce ripening operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to control produce pre-ripening operations to optimise the ripening process
- Understand how to control produce ripening operations to achieve desired quality and shelf life
- Understand produce quality issues and their importance to the business, including financial and reputational impacts
- Understand how to store and dispose of waste produce in accordance with environmental regulations and company procedures
Understand how to control fresh produce washing operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to prepare to control fresh produce washing operations, including checking equipment and ensuring appropriate hygiene standards
- Understand how to control fresh produce washing operations, including monitoring water quality and ensuring effective cleaning
- Understand how to maintain quality and deal with waste in fresh produce washing operations, including identifying and addressing contamination risks and managing waste disposal
Understand how to control manual size reduction in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Control manual size reduction in food manufacture, including understanding the principles of size reduction and the factors that affect it
- Control manual size reduction processes, including selecting appropriate tools and techniques, and monitoring the process to ensure consistent results
- Complete manual size reduction tasks, including following safety procedures and achieving the desired product characteristics
Understand how to control processes in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the requirements for controlling processes in food manufacture.
- Prepare for control processes in food manufacture.
- Carry out process control procedures in food manufacture.
- Complete process control procedures in food manufacture.
Understand how to control the non-invasive testing of produceReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the requirements for non-invasive testing of produce, including relevant legislation, regulations and industry standards
- Understand how to control product testing quality, including the use of appropriate testing methods and equipment
- Understand how to deal with operating problems during non-invasive testing and maintain accurate testing records
Understand how to control the production of fresh produce product labelsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to prepare for the control of fresh produce product labels, including checking label information and ensuring compliance with regulations
- Understand how to control the production of fresh produce product labels, including monitoring printing quality and ensuring accurate application
- Understand how to maintain quality in labelling processes, including identifying and addressing labelling errors and inconsistencies
Understand how to control the production of ready-to-eat fresh produce productsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the production and identification of ready-to-eat fresh produce products
- Understand how to control product quality and traceability in the production of ready-to-eat fresh produce products
- Understand how to deal with waste, operating problems and product records in the production of ready-to-eat fresh produce products
Understand how to control washing and drying machinery in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know about controlling washing machinery according to specifications and procedures
- Know about controlling drying machinery according to specifications and procedures
- Identify and deal with problems that may arise during the washing process
- Identify and deal with problems that may arise during the drying process
Understand how to cut fresh produce by handReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to prepare to cut fresh produce by hand, including selecting the correct tools and preparing the workstation
- Understand how to cut fresh produce by hand to meet the required specifications and quality standards
- Understand how to maintain quality during the cutting process, and deal with waste appropriately, following organisational procedures
Understand how to display food products in a retail environmentReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Prepare the retail environment and materials required to create effective food product displays
- Create visually appealing and informative food and drink displays
- Know the importance of accurate and compliant labelling in food and drink displays
- Monitor and maintain food and drink displays to ensure quality and safety
- Deal with common problems that may arise when displaying food products in a retail environment
Understand how to grade fresh produce by handReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to prepare to grade fresh produce by hand, in accordance with workplace procedures
- Understand how to grade fresh produce by hand, in accordance with workplace procedures
- Understand how to maintain quality, and deal with waste when grading fresh produce by hand
Understand how to lift and handle materials safely in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the health and safety standards that apply to lifting, moving and handling materials in food operations
- Move and handle materials safely and efficiently in food operations
- Know the limits of one's own authority when lifting, moving and handling materials, and understand appropriate communication methods to use in food operations
Understand how to maintain product quality in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Carry out quality checks on food products and processes, following established procedures.
- Accurately record and store information related to product quality checks, adhering to relevant guidelines.
- Know about the importance of communicating the results of quality checks to relevant personnel in a timely and effective manner.
Understand how to maintain workplace food safety standards in operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise the importance of safe food handling practices in maintaining food safety standards.
- Understand how to deal with pests and infestations to prevent contamination.
- Explain the importance of minimising the risks of contamination and food poisoning in food operations.
Understand how to maintain workplace health and safety in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the main safety risks and hazards that are commonly present in the food operations working environment.
- Know the health and safety precautions and procedures that must be followed in the workplace to mitigate risks.
- Know the health and safety features of the equipment and materials used in food operations, including safe operating procedures and potential hazards.
Understand how to operate central control systems in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the functions of central control systems in food manufacture.
- Avoid potential problems in the central control system in food manufacture.
Understand how to plan and organise your own work activities in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Plan and prioritise own work activities to meet production requirements in food manufacture
- Work effectively as part of a team in food manufacture
- Communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and supervisors in food manufacture
- Contribute to a positive and productive working environment
Understand how to prepare for and conduct cleaning in place _CIP_ of plant and equipment in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Describe the steps required to prepare for cleaning in place (CIP) of plant and equipment
- Explain the process of cleaning in place (CIP) of plant and equipment
Understand how to prepare orders for despatch in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know what the requirements are for preparing orders for despatch in food operations, including order accuracy, product quality, and temperature control.
- Assemble orders for despatch in food operations, ensuring all items are included and properly packaged.
- Prepare orders for despatch in food operations, including labelling, documentation, and loading procedures.
- Finish preparing orders for despatch in food operations, including final checks, securing the load, and completing necessary paperwork.
Understand how to receive goods and materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Receive and check goods and materials in food operations, following organisational procedures and quality standards.
- Deal with different types of problems that may arise during the receiving process, such as damaged goods or incorrect deliveries.
- Know the importance of organisational communication and information structures in ensuring efficient and accurate receiving of goods and materials.
- Know the relevant health and safety and industry legislation related to receiving goods and materials in food operations.
Understand how to report and record production operations in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Report production operations in food manufacture
- Record production operations in food manufacture
Understand how to sculpt fresh produce by handReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to prepare to sculpt fresh produce by hand, including selecting appropriate produce and tools
- Understand how to sculpt fresh produce by hand, using appropriate techniques to achieve the desired artistic effect
- Understand how to maintain quality during the sculpting process, and deal with waste in a safe and environmentally responsible manner
Understand how to sell food products in a retail environmentReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Establish the customer’s needs and preferences when selling food products in a retail environment
- Satisfy the customer’s needs by providing appropriate information and recommendations about food and drink products
- Process and complete the sale of food and drink products efficiently and accurately, including handling payments and providing receipts
Understand how to sell fresh produce on the wholesale marketReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Understand how to merchandise fresh produce on the wholesale market to maximise sales and appeal to customers
- Understand how to communicate effectively and provide accurate information about fresh produce to customers on the market
- Understand how to negotiate prices and maintain customer service standards to build positive relationships with wholesale buyers
Understand how to shut down plant and equipment in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Implement shut down procedures for plant and equipment in food manufacture
- Complete plant and equipment shut down in food manufacture
Understand how to slice and bag individual food productsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Slice individual food products safely and effectively
- Bag individual food products using appropriate packaging materials and techniques
Understand how to start up plant and equipment in food manufactureReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the correct procedures for starting up plant and equipment used in food manufacture.
- Identify and address problems that may arise during the start-up of plant and equipment in food manufacture.
Understand how to store and organise goods and materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Identify suitable storage locations for different types of goods and materials used in food operations, considering factors such as temperature, humidity, and accessibility
- Deal with damage to goods, materials, and equipment, including reporting procedures, segregation of damaged items, and preventative measures
- Know the safety, security, and environmental conditions required for the transport and storage of goods and materials, including relevant regulations and best practices
- Know the organisational communication and documentation procedures related to the storage and organisation of goods and materials, including stock control, traceability, and record-keeping
Understand how to unload goods and materials in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Know the procedures and equipment required for unloading goods and materials in food operations, including safe handling techniques, lifting equipment, and documentation requirements.
- Know the checks that need to be made when unloading goods and materials in food operations, including verifying delivery documentation, inspecting for damage, and ensuring correct storage conditions.
Understand how to work effectively with others in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Work effectively as part of a team in food operations.
- Give information clearly and concisely to team colleagues.
- Receive information accurately from team colleagues.
- Work with team colleagues to identify opportunities for improvement in working practices.
- Work with team colleagues to implement agreed improvements to working practices.
Work effectively with others in food operationsReal unit · FDQ Limited
What you'll be able to do
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team in food operations.
- Give and receive information clearly and accurately to and from team colleagues.
- Work collaboratively with team colleagues to identify and implement improvements to working practices.
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 2 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this

The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
- Buy fresh produce on the wholesale market
- Carry out disinfection in food and drink operations
- Carry out fresh produce handling and quality
- Carry out fresh produce packaging and preservation
- Carry out labelling in the spirits industry
- Carry out task handover procedures in food and drink operations
- Clean in place (CIP) plant and equipment in food and drink operations
- Contribute to continuous improvement in food and drink operations
Where this can lead
Food Safety & Quality Technician
This Technician role is your first step into a really important and rewarding career. We're looking for people who want to learn, grow, and ultimately, help us make the safest, highest quality food possible. Your journey starts here, and we're excited to see where it takes you.
See the whole journey →Showing 6 roles, drawn from 8 job records mapped to this qualification.
Skills it covers
What the job actually needs. These are the standards the units are built against, in the words employers and awarding bodies already use for the work itself.
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
This unit covers preparation for and execution of disinfection procedures in food operations. Learners will identify areas requiring disinfection, select suitable agents and equipment, and apply disinfection techniques while adhering to operational and safety requirements.
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for FDQ Level 2 Certificate For Proficiency in Fresh Produce Industry Skills
112 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by FDQ Limited.
- Carry out disinfection in food operations
- Carry out product changeovers in food manufacture
- Carry out task hand-over procedures in food manufacture
- Clean in place _CIP_ plant and equipment in food operations
- Communicate information and knowledge
- Contribute to continuous improvement for achieving excellence in food operations
and 106 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.