Italy: 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.

• LawItalian national law sets no food hygiene certificate, hours or renewal. The business must make sure staff are supervised and trained for their work (EU Regulation 852/2004). The old health booklet (libretto sanitario) ended in March 2021.
• LawEach region sets its own training rules. In Lombardy the business trains its own staff with no set hours. In Emilia-Romagna there has been no regional course since 26 July 2025.
• LawTuscany: everyone takes a 2-hour Module A; cooks, pizza makers and bartenders add a 4-hour Module B; owners and HACCP managers add an 8-hour Module C. Level 2 staff and managers do a 3-hour refresher every 5 years (regional decision DGR 540/2024).
• LawFire wardens trained by the employer: 4 hours (level 1) or 8 hours (level 2), with a refresher at least every 5 years. First aid staff repeat their training at least every 3 years.
• LawSick staff: anyone with a disease that can pass through food, infected wounds, skin infections or diarrhoea must not handle food, and must tell the business at once (EU Regulation 852/2004).