Germany: staff sickness and training

“Law” is a binding rule. “Official guidance” is not law, but inspectors expect it. “Chef Hygiene default” is a value the app checks against where no rule gives a number.

• LawIfSG certificate: before the first day of food work, every worker needs a certificate from the health office (Gesundheitsamt) or a doctor it commissions. It must be no older than 3 months at the start and has no expiry date (IfSG § 43).
• LawInstruction by the employer: after the start and then every 2 years, you instruct staff on work bans and the duty to report illness, and you document it. Keep the certificate and the last record (IfSG § 43). Employing someone without the certificate can cost up to €25,000.
• LawAnyone who makes, handles or sells perishable food needs food hygiene training (LMHV § 4). The law sets no hours, certificate or renewal, but you must be able to show proof on request.
• Official guidanceMunich’s food control office asks you to write down who was trained, when, on what topics and by whom, at hiring and at least once a year.
• LawSick staff: nobody may work in a restaurant kitchen while ill with, or suspected of, typhoid, paratyphoid, cholera, shigellosis, salmonellosis, other infectious gastroenteritis or hepatitis A or E. The same applies with infected wounds or skin disease. Staff must tell the employer at once (IfSG §§ 42, 43).