Health and Hygeine regs in food preparation

[debbz1969]

Can anyone give me an idea as to where I can find rules an regs on working with food. ie, working areas, storage etc. Can I prepare food at home for public consumption? What are the specifications for food prep areas. Any advice links welcome.. By the way, I am talking about sandwiches and cold buffet food, not 5 course a la carte stuff. Thank you x x

[Kim A]

Contact your local Council Environmental Health department, the EHO's can give you the information you need.

[harriman]

Hi debbz,
you may prepare food from home but as a Home Caterer you still need to register your premises with the local Env Health Dept - who will then periodically inspect your kitchen, food storage areas, wc facilites, methods of food transportation and methods of food handling. A food business should register at least 28 days before they start trading, although this doesn't always happen.

It is a good idea to have received some form of food hygiene training - at least equivalent to a basic food hygiene course.
www.food.gov.uk is the food standards agency website and there is more info there.
Your local EHO should supply you with more advice/leaflets etc
Good Luck with your new venture