Latvia: 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.

• LawNew food handlers without a food qualification take the course “Minimālās higiēnas prasības pārtikas uzņēmumā”: at least 3 hours, pass mark 70%, and retake every 3 years. This also applies to people out of food handling for more than 3 years (Cabinet Regulation 545).
• LawA first health check before starting is required for food-contact staff, with a family doctor’s opinion. There is no routine yearly repeat now, and the old sanitary booklet is dropped (Cabinet Regulation 447 of 2018).
• LawStop food work for vomiting, diarrhoea or a food-borne illness, and return with medical clearance (EU Regulation 852/2004 Annex II). Chef Hygiene uses 48 hours without symptoms; the Latvian clause on a doctor’s note was not found.