Homemakers and wannabe business owners have started converting their kitchens into small-scale food manufacturing facilities in recent years. But the real query is: Is it permitted to sell food out of one’s house in the UK?
Yes, in a nutshell, although there are some restrictions and requirements. Anyone who distributes food to the public, whether from a restaurant, a food truck, or from their own home, is required to follow the food hygiene laws, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). These laws are intended to guarantee the high quality and safety of the food marketed to the general public.
In the UK, you must first register your business with your local government before you can sell food from your home. A food hygiene inspection will also be required to make sure your kitchen complies with the requirements. This could entail having separate spaces for cleaning, cooking, and food preparation as well as having enough space for food and trash storage.
A new piece of legislation called Natasha’s Law was introduced in 2019 and is named for Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who passed away from an allergic reaction to a sandwich she had purchased at an airport. All companies that sell pre-packaged food are required by law to list all of the ingredients, including any allergens, on the packaging. This implies that you must abide by the law if you sell pre-packaged goods from your house.
Contrarily, selling meals out of your driveway is a little trickier. You don’t need to register your business with your local council if you’re selling food as a hobby, like at a bake sale to raise money for a charity. The food hygiene laws must, however, be followed if you’re selling food for profit, and you must register with your local council.
In conclusion, selling food out of one’s home is permitted in the UK, subject to a few restrictions. If you’re considering running a home-based food company, be sure to register with your local council, adhere to food safety guidelines, and label your products in accordance with Natasha’s Law. Make sure to tell the difference between selling food as a pastime and as a business if you’re doing it out of your driveway, and follow the rules accordingly.