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What certificates do you need to sell food in the UK? The answer may surprise you.
In order to sell food in the UK, you must comply with a variety of regulations set by the government. These regulations are designed to ensure that all food sold in the country is safe for human consumption.
One of the most important sets of regulations is the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. This scheme rates restaurants and other establishments that sell food on a scale from 0-5, with 5 being the highest rating.
In this post, we will explore what it takes to get a 5 rating from the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and what other certificates you may need to sell food in the UK.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a system that assesses food safety and hygiene standards in restaurants, takeaways, cafes, pubs and other establishments that sell food. In order to receive a high rating of 5, the establishment must demonstrate high standards in areas such as handling food safely, cleaning procedures and general management.
If an establishment fails to meet any of these criteria, they will be given a lower score on the scale. It is important for food sellers to keep up with their scores so that customers can make informed decisions about where to eat.
Safe Food Handling
In addition to receiving a high rating from the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, all food sellers must ensure that they are taking measures to handle and store food safely. This includes proper temperature control for refrigerated and cooked foods, as well as providing proper handwashing facilities and equipment for staff to use when handling food.
It is also important for food sellers to be aware of any allergens in their products and provide customers with clear information about what ingredients are used in their dishes.
Businesses Selling Uncooked Foods
Businesses that sell uncooked foods such as meat or fish must obtain additional certificates from the Food Standards Agency before they can legally operate in the UK. These certificates prove that their products have been properly prepared, handled and stored, thus ensuring customer safety.
Conclusion
To sell food in the UK, business owners must comply with a variety of regulations set by the government. These regulations include obtaining a high rating from the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, taking measures to handle and store food safely, and obtaining additional certificates for businesses that sell uncooked foods. By following these regulations, business owners can ensure customer safety while providing quality products.