Food safety guidance for caterers
If you want to start a food business, this guidance explains the key steps you need to take and the legal responsibilities involved.
When approval is required
We must formally approve some food businesses before they can open. This applies mainly to premises producing food of animal origin.
For example, you cannot produce and sell items such as meat or fish pies, samosas, kebabs, soups, or canned or bottled products containing meat or fish to shops or caterers from a standard domestic kitchen. If your business falls within this category, we will contact you.
Registering your business
All food businesses must legally register with us before trading. An officer may get in touch to confirm what type of business you plan to run and explain how we regulates food premises.
You can also read guidance on:
Food safety requirements
You must follow food hygiene rules that protect customers and ensure food is prepared safely. This includes understanding allergen requirements – Food Standards Agfency when selling food to the public.
Food safety management system
Every food business must have a written food safety management system. A free toolkit, Safer Food Better Business – Food Standards Agency, is available and can be completed online or printed. The sections you need depend on the type of food you prepare.
You can also access:
- guidance on how food hygiene ratings are assessed and how to improve your score
- advice on preventing cross‑contamination, including E. coli controls – Food Standards Agency
Training for food handlers
Food handlers do not legally need a certificate, but food business operators must make sure staff receive the right training and supervision for their roles.
- Level 2 training is recommended for anyone preparing or handling food
- Level 3 training is recommended for supervisors or business owners
Online training options are available.
Managing risks
Although health and safety legislation does not apply to domestic premises in the same way, an example food‑preparation risk assessment is available to help you identify and manage risks.
Business support
Our economic development team can offer support to new businesses.
Planning permission
Before starting your business, check with the planning department to make sure your chosen premises have the correct planning permission. You can speak to the duty planning officer.
Duty Planning Officer
Telephone: 01582 546317