Food safety guidance for event caterers
If you are planning to start a food related business, this guidance will help you understand the key steps and legal requirements involved.
Registering your business
You must register your food business with us before you start trading. An officer may contact you to discuss your planned activities. For home caterers, all visits will be arranged in advance.
Useful guidance and support
Helpful resources for new food businesses include:
- guidance from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health for mobile and event caterers
- information on how to start a food business – Food Standards Agency
- basic food hygiene – Food Standards Agency
- allergen requirements – Food Standards Agency when selling food to customers
Food safety management
Every food business must have a written food safety management system. A free resource called Safer Food Better Business – Food Standards Agency is available to help you create one. It can be completed electronically or printed and filled in by hand.
You can also read guidance on:
- how food hygiene ratings are assessed and how to improve your score
- hygiene rules under EC Regulation 852/2004, including specific requirements for mobile or temporary food businesses (Chapter III) and fixed premises (Chapters 1–12)
Training for food handlers
Food handlers do not legally need a certificate, but business operators must ensure staff receive appropriate food hygiene training and supervision. Training should match the type of work staff do.
- Level 2 food hygiene training is recommended for people preparing or handling food
- Level 3 is recommended for supervisors and business owners
Online training options are available.