What certificate do you need to sell food in the UK?

In the UK, there's no single mandatory certificate, but food businesses must register with their local authority, and staff need adequate food hygiene training, often demonstrated by a Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene certificate for those handling food, proving knowledge of cleaning, cooking, chilling, and cross-contamination (the 4Cs). While on-the-job training counts, a certificate is strong proof of competence for local authorities and employers.

What certificate is mandatory for selling food in the UK?

A food hygiene certificate is documentary evidence that you have completed a food hygiene and safety course. The certificate is proof that you have acquired food hygiene knowledge to safely work in an arena where food is handled or sold to customers.

Do I need a licence to sell food in the UK?

Businesses that store, prepare, distribute, or sell food or drink need to be registered with the local authority. Registration is free. This applies whether the business is for profit or not and whether it is public or private.

How can I sell homemade food legally in the UK?

If you want to sell food in the UK, you need to apply for food business registration through the government website. This is free, but needs to be done at least 28 days before you plan on selling food from home.

How to get a food certificate in the UK?

Find training

There are a several organisations offering level 2 food safety training to gain a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Level 2 Foundation Certificate in Food Safety. If you decide to use another training provider, make sure they're accredited by the CIEH.

What Certificate is Mandatory for Selling Food in the UK?

How much is a food permit in the UK?

Key Takeaways: Food Licence UK Requirements

Registration is straightforward, free, and must be done with your local council at least 28 days before starting operations. Most food businesses do not pay a fee for legal registration, but additional licences (alcohol, street food etc) may incur costs.

Which food certification is best?

GMP, HACCP, and GFSI

• HACCP is mostly equivalent to the new government food safety regulations. ...
• The next level up from HACCP is GFSI, which is a series of norms. ...
• Getting food safety-certified is not just important for keeping your consumers safe and healthy—it keeps your business safe and healthy as well.

Do I need insurance to sell food?

Strict Licensing Obligations: Whether you operate a central kitchen or a catering stall at a weekend market, London boroughs require proof of insurance as a condition of your license. Without it, you cannot legally trade.

Can I sell cakes from home without a license?

Your home will need to be registered with the Council as a food business. This is free, and there is only one simple form to fill in, but it is a legal requirement and you can be prosecuted if you do not register before starting.

What is the most profitable food to sell in the UK?

Pizza and pasta

Italian food is a firm favourite among the UK population and can be far more profitable than other cuisines. As well as its popularity, a big reason behind its success is the fact that a large proportion of the menu is pizza- or pasta-based and therefore relatively cheap to produce.

Who is exempt from registering as a food business?

places where the main activity is not food-related (for example, a barber providing coffee) places where food is only sold through vending machines. certain agricultural premises, motor cars, tents and marquees (but not stalls) some domestic premises.

What food can I make at home and sell?

✅ Foods Commonly Allowed Under Cottage Food Laws

Baked Goods: Cookies, muffins, and breads that don't contain cream fillings. These are popular at farmers' markets because they're easy to package and transport. Cakes & Cupcakes: Allowed if they're shelf‑stable (no whipped cream, custard, or cream cheese frostings).

How much is a basic food hygiene certificate?

A food hygiene training certificate in the UK entails costs ranging from £10 to £100, depending on who offers the food safety courses and the levels you want to reach. Here are the average food hygiene and safety certificate costs: Level 1 averages – £12. Level 2 averages – £20.

What is the 2 hour 4 hour rule for food safety?

The 2-hour/4-hour food safety rule dictates how long potentially hazardous foods (like cooked meats, dairy, cooked rice) can safely stay in the "temperature danger zone" (between 40°F/4°C and 140°F/60°C) before bacteria grow to unsafe levels, requiring disposal after 4 hours or sooner in hot weather. If food is out less than 2 hours, refrigerate it; between 2-4 hours, it's still okay to eat but should be refrigerated quickly; over 4 hours, discard it immediately to prevent food poisoning.
 

Can I cook food at home and sell it in the UK?

While you may not define yourself as a business, if you are providing food on a regular and organised basis, you are a food business under food law. Once you have registered as a food business, local authority officers will make arrangements to visit your home to conduct a food hygiene inspection.

How much is a food license in the UK?

The registration requirement applies to new businesses and if you are taking over an existing food business. There is no charge for registration and it does not need to be renewed. You can begin trading once you have registered and you do not need to wait for an inspection before you start to operate.

Do I need a food hygiene certificate to give food away?

Food provided for community groups must comply with food law and be safe to eat. You do not need a food hygiene certificate to provide food for charity or community groups.

Can I park my food truck anywhere in the UK?

No, you cannot park your food truck anywhere in the UK; you need local council permission, often a street trading licence, as each authority has designated areas (consent streets) and prohibited zones, with fines for unlicensed operation, so always check with the specific council for rules on public land and landowner consent for private property. 

Which certificate is high in demand?

10 types of in-demand certifications and their careers

1. Project management certifications. ...
2. Business analyst certifications. ...
3. Supply chain certifications. ...
4. Marketing certifications. ...
5. Skilled trade certifications. ...
6. Human resources certifications. ...
7. Sales certifications. ...
8. Accounting certifications.

What certificates do I need for a food business?

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 are the three types of certification?

3 Types of Professional Certifications

Professional certifications come in three forms: corporate, product-specific, and industry. Corporate certifications are exclusive to a particular company and are usually not transferable to other organizations.

How can I start a food business in the UK?

Starting a food business – a step-by-step guide

1. Choosing the right premises. ...
2. Complete food hygiene training. ...
3. Plan food products and safe processes. ...
4. Put a food safety management system in place. ...
5. Review allergens handled and complete the suitable documentation. ...
6. Consider health and safety requirements.

Can I sell street food in the UK?

You must apply for a Street Trading Licence to sell goods in a public street or place within the Square Mile.