What qualifications do I need to sell food?

To sell food in the UK, you are required to register your food business with your local authority, usually 28 days before trading. While a formal food hygiene certificate is not strictly compulsory by law, it is necessary to demonstrate "adequate training". A Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate is the industry-standard minimum for preparing or handling food.

What certificates are needed to sell food?

Food hygiene training

You will need to demonstrate that you have been adequately trained in food hygiene. 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.

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.

Can I sell food I've made at home?

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.

Is it illegal to sell food without a license in the UK?

If you store, prepare, distribute or sell food on premises, it is a legal requirement to register your business. If you run a food business without registering it, you may be fined or imprisoned for up to two years or both.

START A PACKAGED FOOD BUSINESS - What Licenses Do You Need to Sell Food? - Food Business Success

How much does a food license cost in the UK?

How Much Does a Food Licence Cost in the UK? One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much is a food license UK?” The answer: registration is free for most food businesses.

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).

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 sell cakes from home as a hobby?

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.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for food?

Remember this general rule of thumb when you have leftovers. ✅ You have 2 hours to get food into the fridge. ✅ It's safe in the fridge for 2 days. ✅ If you're not going to eat it after that, move it to the freezer and eat within 2 months.

What is the easiest food product to sell?

Preserved products are excellent food items for online selling because of their longer shelf lives. This distinct feature means you can make big batches at a time and have an easier way of managing your inventory. You also cut down on the cost of raw goods by buying in bulk without worrying about time-bound sales.

What homemade item sells the most?

50 things to make and sell online

• Necklaces. Handmade jewelry is a great product to make and sell from home. ...
• Earrings. Earrings are one of the simplest crafts to make and sell. ...
• Friendship bracelets. ...
• Canvas paintings. ...
• Art prints. ...
• Coloring books. ...
• Pillowcases. ...
• Candles.

Do I need a food hygiene certificate to sell food from home?

The same rules apply – you don't have to have a food hygiene certificate legally, but the Food Standards Agency recommends that you pursue a qualification. The Environmental Health Officer that visits will decides your food hygiene rating and whether you are ready to serve food to the public.

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.

How much is a food hygiene certificate in the UK?

There are two food hygiene courses & one food allergy course available: The introductory food hygiene course level 2 is £12.50 and covers the basic requirements for food handlers. The intermediate food hygiene course level 3 is £27, for more experienced staff and supervisors.

What can I sell immediately?

Selling high-demand items like electronics, collectibles, designer clothing, and a DIY craft business can generate quick sales. Unused gadgets, vintage goods, and trending products also sell fast. Digital products like e-books or stock photos offer instant transactions and help you save money.

What food makes the most profit?

Most Profitable Food Items

1. Burgers. Time and time again, industry experts agree that burgers are one of the most profitable foods. ...
2. Pizza. Pizza is another crowd pleaser with high-profit margins. ...
3. Wings. Fresh poultry, in general, is often expensive, but wings are the exception. ...
4. Tacos. ...
5. Small Bites & Snacks.

What is the cheapest way to sell food?

Pop-ups and farmers' market stalls: Sell food on a small scale before committing to a permanent location. Meal prep and catering: Offer pre-packaged meals or small-scale catering services, using bulk ingredients and pre-orders to minimize waste.

What is the 7 day rule for food?

Refrigerated, ready-to-eat, potentially hazardous food prepared and held for more than 24 hours in a food establishment must be marked with the date of preparation and must be discarded if not consumed within 7 calendar days from the date of preparation.

What is the two hour four hour rule for food?

Food held between 5oC and 60oC for less than 2 hours can be used, sold or put back in the refrigerator to use later. Food held between 5oC and 60oC for 2-4 hours can still be used or sold, but can't be put back in the fridge. Food held between 5oC and 60oC for 4 hours or more must be thrown away.

What is the 3 second rule in food?

The five-second rule, or sometimes the three-second rule, is a food hygiene urban legend that states a defined time window after which it is not safe to eat food (or sometimes to use cutlery) after it has been dropped on the floor or on the ground and thus exposed to contamination.

Which food stall is most profitable?

A] Seven Food Business Ideas You Need To Try

1. Coffee Shops/Cafes. Coffee shops are some of the most popular and profitable businesses today. ...
2. Meal Kits And Ghost Kitchens. ...
3. Food Trucks. ...
4. Gourmet Snack Boxes. ...
5. Healthy Food Carts. ...
6. Organic Food Shop. ...
7. Ice Cream Shop.

How to start selling food items from home?

Starting a food business from home checklist

1. Register with your local authority. ...
2. Check you have the appropriate permissions. ...
3. Register as self-employed. ...
4. Contact your local authority for advice. ...
5. Consider food safety training. ...
6. Ensure you manage waste correctly.