In a first for the food and hospitality sector, learndirect business has teamed up with the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH), to become the only training provider to offer an RIPH Food Safety Exam online, giving businesses in a fast-paced industry the opportunity to get their staff qualified quickly.

It has also simultaneously launched a new Basic Food Hygiene eCourse that can be accessed on the internet. The eCourse is introduced by chef and host of BBC TV's 'Saturday Kitchen,' James Martin and provides the knowledge required to take the exam.

RIPH Chairman Alan Maryon Davis said: "Our new partnership with learndirect business is great news for the industry. The ability to offer the exam online answers a real business need. Rather than having to wait weeks to get the results, it now means managers and their employees can gain the all-important proof of successful food hygiene training as soon as it's required. The RIPH qualification is a recognised mark of quality, offering businesses a real commercial advantage."

Michelle Lofthouse, Director of Business Development at learndirect business, comments: "Food hygiene legislation affects food businesses of all sizes including caterers, primary producers, manufacturers and retailers. With the new eCouse and RIPH accredited exam, we hope to provide a valuable service to the thousands of businesses across the UK that work with food."

"Like all learndirect business eCourses, the Basic Food Hygiene eCourse can be accessed immediately online, providing a flexible way of training that can be completed in easy to manage modules and fitted in around the working day."

The eCourse can be completed at a time, pace and place to suit both employee and business owner. It guides users through subjects such as micro-organisms and how they can cause illness, the importance of personal hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, pest controls, premises, hazards and current legal obligations.

The exam can be taken via a number of RIPH approved learndirect centres around the country and provides an instant result. There are two different RIPH accredited qualifications that can be achieved - Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering and a Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene.