Food business - Food Hygiene Legislation

Information food safety regulations (general hygiene) for food businesses.

Food Hygiene Legislation for Food Businesses

In order to produce food safely, you must ensure that where and how it is produced is hygienic.  You must make sure that your premises are kept clean and are properly equipped.  Foods must be hygienically handled.  Staff must be appropriately supervised, and be instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters so that they can carry out their work hygienically.  Those responsible for developing and maintaining the food safety procedure need to have received adequate training.

From 1st January 2006, food hygiene legislation has changed to include relevant EU Regulations and associated national legislation.

The new legislation has a number of provisions which apply in common to different foods.  The type(s) of food which businesses handle or sell will determine with which requirements they have to comply.

The EU Regulations are:

• Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs;
• Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin; and
• Regulation (EC) No 854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption.

In general terms, Regulations 852/2004 and 853/2004 lay down requirements for food business operators.  Regulation 852/2004 applies to all food businesses (including those operating at the level of primary production).  Regulation 853/2004 applies, in addition, to certain food businesses handling products of animal origin.  Regulation 854/2004 lays down requirements for official controls on products of animal origin and therefore sets out what those enforcing the provisions have to do.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) website offers advice and further information.  Copies of the Regulations in PDF format can also be accessed on the website.

This legislation is applied in the UK by:
• The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/14)
• The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (SSI 2006/3)
• The Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/31 (w.5))
• The Food Hygiene (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2006 (SR 2006/3)

Copies are available from the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI).

The FSA produce a number of booklets providing practical information on good food hygiene covering a range of different circumstances, including business and domestic catering. 

Advice for caters and consumers is also provided on the FSA website and http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/