Starting a new food business

The person(s) responsible for developing and maintaining the business's procedures must have received adequate training to enable them to do this.

There is no legal requirement to attend a formal training course or obtain a qualification, although many businesses may want their staff to do so. 

The necessary skills could also be obtained in other ways, such as through on-the-job training, self-study or relevant prior experience.

However, if during a food hygiene inspection food handlers are found to have inadequate food hygiene knowledge, the inspector will require them to receive instruction and/or training.

For people who handle open high risk foods, the CIEH ‘Level two Award in Food Safety in Catering course’ or equivalent is recommended.  

It's important to keep records of any training undertaken, as you will be asked for this by the inspecting officers when they visit. If you do decide to undertake formal training, be careful to use a reputable company. 

It is recommended that training is refreshed every three years. The Council does not offer training courses to food handlers. 

Find out about CIEH courses.  There are other accredited bodies that offer training such as the Royal Society of Health.

E-learning training is available for courses Levels one to three.

If after working through the above guidance and information you still have queries in relation to your new food business you may contact us using our online form.

Report: Environmental Services