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Useful Information

Useful information for those who operate in the food business and for those looking to set up a food business in the future.

Why compliance to The Food and Safety Act 1990 is needed:

The Food Safety Act 1990 and regulations made under it make it an offence for anyone to sell or process food for sale which is harmful to health. They also place an obligation on businesses to ensure that their activities are carried out in a hygienic way.

An estimated five million people suffer from food poisoning in England and Wales each year. Running a food business means that you have a particular responsibility in protecting the health of your customers.

To help food businesses manage their food safely, and comply with the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 the Food Standards Agency has produced self-help packs.

Safer Food Better Business - ideal for small caterers with up to about 50 covers.

CookSafe - for much larger caterers who regularly prepare functions,who may serve well in excess of 100 meals each day.

Changes to Safer Food Better Business

Please note that the Food Standards Agency have recently reviewed and updated the Safer Food Better Business (SFBB) pack which is available from their website please see below link. The new pack contains a number of changes including a new section on managing food allergens in the Management section of the pack and new safety points on handling raw chicken.

Although food businesses will still comply with food safety requirements if they continue to use their existing version of SFBB, we advise them to look at the new pack and to download and implement any of the updated material which will help them to manage food safety effectively.

On this page you will find guidance documents that you may find helpful.