Food Safety

Food safety is normally regulated by your local authority, although in some cases this is done by the Food Standards Agency.

If you are planning to produce, store or sell food and drink, in virtually all cases you will need to register your business with your local authority in advance, and have written food safety management procedures.

In addition if intending to manufacture or process food of animal origin, your premises will normally need to be formally assessed and approved by your local authority.

Anyone handling food must also have appropriate training in food hygiene.

This covers actions like:

• Any form of food production or consumption business
• Standards and procedures
• Food hygiene training
• Drafting, implementing and maintaining relevant food safety procedures
• Registering your business

Quick Checklist

The following checklist of actions and related links are essential for any business planning to produce, store or sell food and drink (check if this includes your business):

• Read the Food Standards Agency guide to starting a catering business
• Read the relevant Food Standards Agency food safety management pack. This gives essential advice and will help you assess whether you or your employees require food hygiene training
• Follow the advice to write food safety management procedures. These must relate to the specific circumstances of your business
• Complete the registration form, available via the website of your local authority
• Submit the registration form to your local authority at least 28 days before your business starts trading. Registration carries no charge and cannot be refused
• If you are intending to process food of animal origin – including meat, fish, milk, dairy and egg products – contact your local authority to discuss whether your premises require approval

Consider whether food hygiene training is required by you or your employees. Your local authority can provide advice on provision and costs.