Otago Polytechnic is a respected public tertiary education provider in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising practical, industry-focused learning across certificates, diplomas, degrees, and short courses. It offers supportive services for international students, including academic support, wellbeing services, careers help, and assistance with visas and settling into life in New Zealand.

 

Food Safety: Unit 167 – Practice Food Safety Methods in a Business under Supervision

Why Study This Course?

This unit standard is designed for people planning to work in the food industry, focusing on food hygiene and safety practices that are often required by New Zealand workplaces — and in many cases, a legal requirement under food safety legislation.

 

It’s especially useful for students who want foundational food safety skills for employment in restaurants, cafés, food processing, catering roles, or as part of broader hospitality study pathways.

 

Subjects / Topics Covered

This unit focuses on core food safety practices required in food businesses, including:

• Understanding food safety legislation and workplace requirements.
• Maintaining effective personal hygiene when working with food.
• Preventing food contamination in all stages of handling.
• Managing temperature and time controls for high-risk foods.
• Practical application of safe work practices under supervision.

 

Disciplines / Specialisations

While this course is itself a stand-alone unit, it is part of the broader Hospitality and Food Services discipline.

Completing Unit 167 pairs well with additional hospitality units or qualifications such as:

• New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3 or 4)

• New Zealand Certificate in Food & Beverage Service (Level 3)

• Other food safety and management courses within hospitality pathways.

 

Highlights

• Teaches essential food safety practices that many employers and food business licences require.
• Short, practical training suitable for people entering food handling work.
• Recognised unit with NZQA credit value.
• Delivered in a real hospitality environment with hands-on assessment.

 

Career Outcomes

Completion of Unit 167 supports job readiness for entry-level food industry roles, such as:

• Food handler in cafés or restaurants
• Kitchen assistant
• Catering support staff
• Preparation assistant in food manufacturing or service settings

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

Because this is a short on-campus unit delivered in person in New Zealand:

• International students planning to travel to NZ to attend this course may need a student visa or, for very short stays, possibly a visitor visa depending on length of stay and nationality.

• If combining this unit with longer studies (like a hospitality certificate), you will require a full student visa.

• Visa eligibility is determined by Immigration New Zealand and Otago Polytechnic can support with documentation once you have an offer of place.

 

Latest Updates & Requirements

• Courses are run subject to minimum enrolment numbers — so early application is recommended.
• Dress and health compliance: Practical sessions require short clean nails, no jewellery, and closed-in footwear for hygiene and safety.
• Confirmation of enrolment is sent by email once payment and enrolment details are complete.
• If programmes are cancelled and this affects visa status, Otago Polytechnic will inform you and help find alternatives.