Starting a food business
If you are in the process of setting up a food business our officers are always available to provide advice on food safety requirements and the health and safety steps you should be following.
The food safety team can supply an information pack and booklets, which are designed to help if you are currently operating a food business or intend to start one. Essential information is provided to help you understand what the law requires regarding food hygiene and health and safety in businesses.
Legal requirements concerning the preparation and sale of
food
It is the responsibility of the owners and managers of a food
business to ensure that their business complies with food safety
regulations. It is important that all risks to people arising from
the operations undertaken by your business are assessed and
properly controlled. This is for both food safety and occupational
health purposes.
Registration of your food business
It is required by law to
register premises used for food
businesses, including market stalls, delivery vehicles and
other moveable structures.
Meat, dairy, poultry, fish and egg products
Food business must obtain an official approval certificate
from the council's food safety team before starting business
if they produce, process or export foods containing meat, poultry,
dairy and egg products if they are to be sold in a retail shop.
Late closing and street trading
Businesses that trade late may need
a late night café licence, additionally,
businesses that trade from vehicles, trailers, or stalls may need a
street trading licence.
Planning
All businesses must comply with planning law. The
planning section has more information.
Hazard analysis
Hazard analysis is a way to identify and control
potential food hazards in your business. You must satisfy your
Environmental Health Officer that you have considered all the food
safety risks and have put procedures in place to control or
eliminate those risks.
Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB)
Food Safety Law changed on 1 January 2006 and now requires
you to have a food safety management system (previously referred to
as hazard analysis). The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have devised a
'Safer Food, Better Business' (SFBB) pack, to help your business
comply with the new legislation. Places are limited for the
workshops.
To find out more about SFBB and ordering a free SFBB pack you can visit the FSA website or contact the food safety team at Ealing Council. The council can also provide information on SFBB training opportunities.
Food
Safety Team, Environmental Health and
Trading Standards, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London, W5
2HL
Tel: (020) 8825 6666
Fax: (020) 8825 7855
Email:
foodsafety@ealing.gov.uk