What food hygiene certificate do I need to sell food from home?

While not legally mandatory, a Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering certificate is the industry-standard requirement for selling food from home in the UK, demonstrating compliance with food safety regulations. You must register your business with your local authority 28 days before trading.

What certificate is mandatory for selling food?

Food hygiene training

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.

Do you need a food hygiene rating to sell food from home?

It is not compulsory for you to have a food hygiene certificate, but if you are looking to start a food business, we recommend that you pursue a food hygiene qualification to improve your knowledge.

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.

How to pass a food hygiene inspection at home?

Your checklist for hygiene inspections

1. Completed, signed & dated food safety management system.
2. Completed allergen information table.
3. Adequate hand washing facilities.
4. A means for drying hands.
5. A food preparation sink.
6. A suitably equipped first aid kit.
7. A probe thermometer.

How to prepare for your food hygiene inspection | Home Business | 5 star food hygiene rating

What foods are easiest to sell from home?

Dry Goods: Granola, trail mix, popcorn, dry pasta, spice blends, and baking mixes. These are long‑lasting and easy to label. Honey & Syrups: Naturally shelf‑stable and often exempt from stricter regulations. Coffee & Tea: Whole beans, ground coffee, and dried tea blends are often permitted.

Can I become an EHO without a degree?

You generally need a degree for a full Environmental Health Officer (EHO) role, but you can start without one through apprenticeships or by becoming an Environmental Health Technician, gaining experience, and working part-time towards a CIEH-accredited degree or diploma, which is crucial for qualification in the UK/Ireland. Pathways include Degree Apprenticeships, technician roles with relevant training, or foundation qualifications leading to the full EHO certification.

Can I make food at home to sell?

If you sell, cook, store, handle, prepare or distribute, you may be considered a food business and will need to register with your local authority (Opens in a new window). This includes food businesses trading: from physical customer-facing premises. from home.

Who needs a level 2 food hygiene certificate?

Level 2 food safety training

Employees who might need Level 2 include workers in the following industries: Pubs, hotels, restaurants. Supermarkets and retail environments, for example, delis, and bakeries. Food and drink manufacturers.

Can I cook meals to sell from home?

Governed by your local department of health, cottage food laws usually dictate exactly what you can sell, labeling restrictions, product volume, and more. In most states, you'll have to get approved to sell from home, and the following might be evaluated: Kitchen inspection. Zoning permits and business licenses.

Can you work in a kitchen without a food hygiene certificate?

Anyone who heats, stores, or prepares food needs a level 2 food hygiene certificate. Anyone who serves food or deals with unopened prepackaged food items needs a level 1 food hygiene certificate.

Can I bake at home and sell them?

You'll need to register with Environmental Health. This can be done by contacting your local authority and being transferred to their Environmental Health Department. Inform them that you are starting up a cake business from home and they will talk you through the necessary steps to get you registered.

Can I do my food hygiene certificate online?

Fully online, fully accredited

Earn a food safety certificate on your own terms with our industry-leading online courses. With 24/7 online access and full ROSPA and CPD accreditation, you get the flexibility you need without compromising on standards.

How to get a free food hygiene certificate?

You can get free food hygiene training and basic certificates from sources like the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA), which offers specific modules like allergen training, and providers like Cocoms or Oxford Home Study Centre (often charge for official certificates). While the core learning is free, some providers charge a fee for the official, accredited certificate, though you can often get a free basic one for demonstrating knowledge, as with FSA's free courses.
 

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.

Who is exempt from the food hygiene certificate?

Exempt businesses are still inspected by local food safety officers to make sure they are up to par, however, they are not given a rating. They are exempt because they don't solely provide food, which means they are at a smaller risk to the general public.

Do you need a licence to sell snacks?

Registration is a legal requirement it is free and cannot be refused. Registration applies to all businesses that store, sell, distribute or prepare food or drink. Once you have submitted a signed food business registration form you are can begin to trade.

How long is a food hygiene certificate valid?

While there is no expiry date on food hygiene certificates, it is widely recognised within the industry that renewal should take place every three years.

What certificates do I need to sell food from home?

You are required to have food hygiene training and you should be able to show that you have had suitable training. A certificate in food hygiene would be acceptable. Find out more about food safety training on the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health website.

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.

How to get EHS cert?

For this certification, candidates must have three years of construction experience in which at least 35% of the responsibilities involve health and safety. This certification also requires 30 hours of safety, health and environmental training.

Is iOSh or NEBOSH better?

Neither NEBOSH nor IOSH is inherently "better"; they serve different needs: IOSH (like Managing Safely) offers practical, foundational H&S for managers/employees, while NEBOSH (like the General Certificate) provides in-depth, globally recognized qualifications for aspiring health and safety professionals seeking career progression. Choose IOSH for a quick, job-role introduction, and NEBOSH for a comprehensive, career-focused qualification, especially in high-risk industries.