If you run a food business or are thinking about starting one you need to make sure the food produced is safe to eat. The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 came into effect on 11th January 2006 along with the requirements of EC Regulation 852/2006. These regulations specify the standards you must meet to ensure food safety.
Definition of a food business
A food business is any undertaking - whether carried out for profit or not, and whether public or private - involved in any of the following:
Registering the business
You must complete and return the food registration form to the Local Authority at least 28 days before you begin trading. An authorised officer from Public Protection will then make an inspection soon after you have opened. Food registration is free of charge. If you have a mobile catering unit you must send the registration form to the local authority where the catering vehicle is stored overnight.
Design and layout
EC Regulation 852/2006 lays down the requirements in terms of the type of structure, fixtures, fittings and equipment required in a food business.
HACCP
Under the regulations introduced in 2006 all food businesses are required to have a written food safety system in place based on the principles of HACCP. HACCP is about making sure that you know what food hazards there are in your business and taking the necessary steps to reduce those hazards.
The Food Standards Agency have introduced a free pack called 'Safer Food Better Business' (SFBB) to assist in complying with this requirement. The team have produced an advice sheet to help you through the SFBB pack.
Training
Everyone involved in food handling or preparation must be appropriately trained or supervised according to the type of job that they do. It is essential that new employees are given first day food hygiene training as they start and then you may wish to consider more formal food hygiene training at a later date.
Pest Control
It is essential that steps are taken to prevent pests such as rodents and cockroaches gaining access to the building and that you monitor conditions regularly to spot any early signs of an infestation. A pest control contractor will be able to advise you how best to manage pest control (including flying insects) in your business.
Other Considerations
In addition to food safety and hygiene itself you will also need to consider the following aspects in relation to operating a food business:
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Trading standards/food labelling
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Duty of care responsibilities in relation to your waste
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Environmental protection issues such as noise nuisance and cooking odours
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Licences required for selling alcohol or if you wish to operate after 11pm
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Fire safety
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Health and safety of employees and visitors to the business
Summary
Further information on miscellaneous matters can be found in the other pages. If you have any further questions in relation to operating a food business it is best that you contact an officer directly. The Health, Safety & Food Team of Public Protection is always on hand to offer free advice in relation to operating a food business.
Picture courtesy of Coventry City Council