Food safety guidance for butchers
If you are planning to start a food related business, the information below explains the key steps and legal requirements.
Registering your food business
You must register your business with us before you start operating. This is a legal requirement. After you submit your registration, an officer may contact you within the next week to confirm the type of business you are planning.
Guidance on starting a food business
To learn more about what is involved in setting up a food business – Food Standards Agency
For information about basic food hygiene – Food Standards Agency.
Allergen awareness
If you add ingredients to food, such as marinating meat or fish, you must be aware of allergens. You are responsible for providing accurate allergen information – Food Standards Agency to customers.
Food safety management system
All food businesses must have a written food safety management system. A free system called Safer Food Better Business - Food Standards Agency is available.
You can type directly into the pack and print it when finished. Alternatively, you can print the sections you need and complete them by hand. Not every section will apply to every business.
We have produced a supplementary Word document for butchery businesses to help control cross‑contamination.
We have also created a Word document titled How do you rate me? which you can use as a checklist to help staff work hygienically.
Training for food handlers
Food handlers in the UK do not legally need a food hygiene certificate. However, food business operators must make sure staff receive suitable training and supervision so they can handle food safely.
Online food hygiene training courses are available:
- Level 2 is recommended for staff involved in preparing and handling food
- Level 3 is recommended for supervisors and food business operators
Health and safety risk assessments
Example risk assessments are available and may be helpful, especially if you run a convenience store or newsagent with a butchery counter.
You can also view the attached information sheet on safely using band saws.
Business support
Business support is available from our economic development team.
Planning permission
Before starting a new business, you should speak with our planning department. Your business must have the correct planning permission to operate from your chosen premises.
Duty Planning Officer
Telephone: 01582 546317