How to check if a business is registered as a food business?

You can check if a business is registered by searching to see if it is listed on our food hygiene ratings website (Opens in a new window). If you think a food business may not be registered, you can report it to the local authority's food safety team where the business is located.

Does a food business need to be registered?

When you start a new food business, or take over an existing business, you must register with your local authority. You should do this at least 28 days before you start trading. Registration of your food business is free and can't be refused.

What happens if I don't register my food business?

Registration is a legal requirement and failure to register your premises is a criminal offence for which you may be prosecuted and fined and/or imprisoned for up to 2 years on conviction. Registering your business is free and your registration cannot be refused.

Is it a legal requirement for food businesses to have written records?

A food business must keep records of all their suppliers and also all of the businesses they supply food or food ingredients to. It is important to have traceability records in the event that unsafe food needs to be recalled from the market.

How do I find out if someone has a food hygiene certificate?

The ratings can be found online and on stickers which are displayed at business premises. The back of the sticker and the online rating will also show the date of the inspection by the local authority's food safety officer.

FSA Explains: Registering a food business

Is it illegal to not have a food hygiene certificate?

No, a food hygiene certificate is not a legal requirement. However, UK law states that all of those who work with food must be able to demonstrate that they have received on-the-job training or have undertaken self-training.

Do I legally need a food hygiene certificate?

There is no legal requirement to attend a formal training course or obtain a qualification, although many businesses may want their staff to do so.

Do I need any certificates to sell food?

All food handlers must be trained according to the level of food handling activity that they carry out. The usual way for food handlers to be trained is to gain a Level 2 Certificate in Food Hygiene. Food Business Operators should also have adequate training in order to implement a food safety management system.

What records must all food businesses keep?

What certificate is mandatory for selling food in the UK?

In the UK, food handlers don't have to hold a food hygiene certificate to prepare or sell food. You must however be able to demonstrate that they have received instructions or supervision in the following ways: training on-the-job. self-study.

Do I need a license to sell homemade food UK?

You will need to register with your local authority if you: sell food. cook food. store or handle food.

How much is a food license UK?

In terms of the standard cost, it's challenging to determine the exact amount because the license cost varies across councils and the type of food business. However, to give you a sense of perspective, it might cost anywhere between £100 to £200 for a standard food premises license.

Can I run a food business from home if I have pets UK?

Keep pets out of the kitchen

No one must smoke in the kitchen and at any other time when handling food. If anyone in the house is suffering from an infectious disease (such as food poisoning or colds) please consult your Food Safety Officer immediately for advice.

How do I know if my food business is registered UK?

You can check if a business is registered by searching to see if it is listed on our food hygiene ratings website (Opens in a new window). If you think a food business may not be registered, you can report it to the local authority's food safety team where the business is located.

Who can be prosecuted for poor food hygiene?

If your establishment is found to have committed food safety or hygiene offences and the local authority are looking to prosecute, the owner or proprietor of the business is the person held responsible and the individual (or individuals) who can be prosecuted for breaching the law.

What do I need to sell sweets from home UK?

If you are planning to run a confectionery of your own, you might be asking yourself, “Do I need a food hygiene certificate to sell sweets?” Whilst it's not a requirement under the law to have a food hygiene certificate to sell sweets, it is strongly recommended to have one by organisations like the FSA.

What is the food law in the UK?

The principal aim of assimilated Regulation (EC) 178/2002, 'General Food Law' is to protect human health and consumer's interest in relation to food. It applies to all stages of production, processing and distribution of food and feed with some exceptions. Food businesses must comply with food and feed safety law.

What are 9 things must be listed on a food label by law?

Do you need a food hygiene certificate to sell food at a market?

Although it is not a legal requirement for every food handler to get a certificate in food hygiene, they must be able to show that they have had some food-hygiene training or are being supervised by someone who has.

Can I sell homemade food UK?

You need to register as self-employed when starting a food business, even if you are part-time or have another job. You should register at GOV.UK to verify your account and confirm the specifics of your food business. Failure to register may result in a fine.

Can I sell cakes from home UK?

Well, there are a couple of things you must do before you can sell your baked goods to the public. These steps include registering your business, learning the food hygiene laws, achieving food hygiene certificates, and more.

When starting a food business you must register with the local authority?

Registration of a food business allows the local authority to maintain a register of all food establishments within its area. The law requires that all food establishments must register their food business with their local authority.

Do I need a hygiene certificate to sell cakes?

If you're planning a one-off bake sale for a charity or good cause, you don't need to register as a business or plan for an EHO inspection. However, the Food Standards Agency still advises home bakers to learn about food safety, even if you only sell cakes occasionally and not to profit as a business.

How do I get a free food hygiene certificate?

If you're interested in joining this training course, please apply via the web form. If you qualify for the free course(s), you will be provided with a username and password via email which enables you access to an e-learning course supplied by our partner company, Highfield e-learning.

Do I need Level 2 or Level 3 food hygiene?

Here are the main differences between food hygiene certificate levels: Level 1 is for people working with food but not directly preparing it. Level 2 are for people helping to prepare food. Level 3 courses are for owners, managers, and supervisors.