Level 1 Award in Healthier Foods and Special Diets Level 1

This qualification will be of particular value for those whose work involves providing meals in the following sectors: catering, including the cost sector; hospitality and leisure; health and community care. Some people require or choose a special diet - for medical, religious, cultural, ethical or other reasons. National Minimum Standards, which include standards in relation to the provision of food, have been produced for schools, care homes for older people and other institutions where people are looked after; and these reflect Government policy, both on content and on facilitating choice. Holders of this qualification will have an understanding of the relationship between diet, health and disease, and the importance and principles of a well balanced diet. They will be aware of the special attention that needs to be paid to the diets of vulnerable groups of people, as well as appreciating the importance of special diets for individuals who require or choose one for medical, ethical or other reasons. This programme is usually delivered over one day, and assessment will be by a 45 minute multiple choice examination consisting of 20 questions.