Food safety isn’t a one-time responsibility — it’s a lifelong commitment. In Singapore’s fast-paced F&B industry, where kitchens operate daily under strict hygiene regulations, keeping your knowledge up to date is essential. That’s where the Refresher Food Safety Course comes in.
Whether you’re a kitchen assistant, chef, or supervisor, this course ensures you continue to meet Singapore Food Agency (SFA) requirements and maintain a strong foundation in food hygiene practices.
1. What Is the WSQ Refresher Food Safety Course?
The WSQ Refresher Food Safety Course (previously known as the Refresher Basic Food Hygiene Course) is part of Singapore’s Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework.
It’s designed for food handlers who have already completed the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 (Basic Food Hygiene) and need to renew their certification.
This refresher course helps you:
- Reinforce key hygiene principles
- Stay updated on the latest SFA food safety regulations
- Refresh your practical knowledge in safe food handling
Continue working legally in the F&B industry
2. When Do You Need to Take the Refresher Course?
In Singapore, SFA requires all food handlers to renew their Food Hygiene Certificate every five years.
That means:
- If your last WSQ Level 1 certificate was issued in 2019, you must take the refresher course by 2024.
- If you fail to renew it, you cannot continue working as a food handler until you pass the refresher.
Many employers monitor this closely — and having an up-to-date certificate is often a condition for continued employment in restaurants, hotels, hawker centres, and catering companies.
💡 Tip: Don’t wait until your certificate expires. Book your refresher course early to avoid work disruptions.
3. Why the Refresher Course Matters
Food safety standards and practices evolve constantly. The refresher course ensures that you’re aligned with the latest updates in hygiene control, kitchen management, and SFA’s inspection criteria.
Here’s why it matters:
- Regulatory compliance: Avoid fines or suspension by keeping valid certification.
- Better job security: Employers prefer staff with current WSQ credentials.
- Improved awareness: Learn about updated hygiene risks, allergens, and cross-contamination prevention.
- Professional credibility: Demonstrate your commitment to high standards in your workplace.
For businesses, encouraging employees to attend refresher courses also helps improve overall hygiene grades — which directly impact customer trust.
4. What to Expect During the Course
The WSQ Refresher Food Safety Course is concise and practical, usually completed within half a day.
It includes:
- A quick review of hygiene concepts
- Real-life food safety scenarios
- Updated SFA guidelines and case studies
- An assessment test (usually MCQs + practical demonstration)
Upon passing, you’ll receive a renewed WSQ Food Hygiene Certificate valid for another five years.
5. Who Should Take It
The course is suitable for:
- Food handlers in restaurants, cafés, hawker stalls, and catering
- Kitchen staff who handle ingredients, cooked food, or utensils
- Anyone whose WSQ Level 1 certificate is nearing expiry
Supervisors and business owners should also track their team’s certification dates to ensure all staff remain compliant.
6. Keep Your Certification Active — and Your Career Growing
Taking the Refresher Food Safety Course may seem routine, but it’s a powerful step in maintaining your professional credibility and ensuring food safety excellence in your workplace.
It’s not just about renewing a piece of paper — it’s about renewing your commitment to public health and food quality.
Ready to renew your certification?
Check your expiry date and register early for your WSQ Refresher Food Safety Course in Singapore today.