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Do I need a food hygiene certificate to sell cakes from home?

Do I need a food hygiene certificate to sell cakes from home?

Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, many of us tried our hands at baking during lockdown for the first time. However, for those with a dash of entrepreneurial spirit and a sprinkle of optimism, baking can soon turn into a lucrative hobby.

If your friends and family adore your creations, why not share your cakes with the wider world outside and turn your passion into an income stream?

Do I need a food hygiene certificate to sell cakes from home?
December 15, 2021

 

Unfortunately, it’s not quite a piece of cake when it comes to flogging your sweet treats from home. There are food hygiene regulations to consider – and you’ll likely need to take a Level 2 Food Safety Course before you can sell a single slice from your front door.

The good news is that obtaining certification is relatively straight-forward. So, let’s take a look at what the rules are in the UK and what practical steps you need to take to start selling your cakes from home.

 

Can I sell cakes from home in the UK?

You absolutely can sell cakes from your home kitchen in the UK. However, you need to make sure you’re abiding by UK and EU hygiene laws.

The most important thing to remember here is food safety. You must ensure that you maintain high standards of food hygiene when preparing, cooking and handling your sweet treats.

Not only is this important for the health of the general public, but from a business point of view, you don’t want to be selling produce that could cause harm. Poor handling, contaminated food and allergies are just some of the things you have to be wary of.

In fact, the EU has some of the strictest food safety regulations around the world. The UK subscribes to these same rules and has further stringent policies in place when it comes to accurately labelling food.

In other words, you can’t immediately start advertising your cupcakes and pies for sale on Facebook marketplace. But, that’s not to say selling them is a pipedream either – you only need to follow a few simple steps.

 

What steps should I take to safely sell cakes from my own home?

First of all, you need to register your baking business with your Local Authority. Your council will tell you if you need to register or apply for approval as some have different rules.

Fortunately, there is no charge to apply. However, you must register your business with the Environmental Health Service at least 28 days before operations begin.

Secondly, and most crucially, you will also need to undertake relevant food hygiene training. Most courses can be taken online and from the comfort of your own home. These courses start at Level 1 and go up to Level 3.

Food hygiene certificates aren’t necessarily mandatory in the UK, but they show your commitment to health and hygiene which is appreciated by your customers.

 

Does my kitchen need to be inspected?

After you have registered with your Local Authority and have completed your Level 2 course in food hygiene and safety in catering, you can expect a visit from an Environmental Health Officer (EHO).

The EHO will examine you and your due diligence closely. The inspector will be looking at how you store your ingredients, how you prepare and handle food and how accurately or adequately you label your produce.

Your Level 2 certificate will come in handy here as it demonstrates that you understand where hazards and dangers may arise and that you are well-versed in the UK’s food safety regulations.

 

Why is learning about food allergies important?

Some businesses feel burdened by the UK’s lengthy food labelling laws. However, it is important because consumers could suffer an allergic reaction, through no fault of their own, after eating produce that is inadequately labelled. In severe cases, this can even lead to death.

If you happen to sell a food item which has caused someone to have an allergic reaction, you may be held liable.

Restaurants ensure their chefs undergo rigorous food hygiene and allergen training before stepping foot into a commercial kitchen, and it is no different for you just because your workspace is your home kitchen.

At the very least, familiarise yourself with the ‘Big 8’ food allergies to protect your customers – and yourself from a costly lawsuit.

 

Do I need a Level 2 food safety certificate to sell cakes for charity?

If you’re planning a one-off bake sale for a charity or good cause, you don’t need to register as a business or plan for an EHO inspection.

However, the Food Standards Agency still advises home bakers to learn about food safety, even if you only sell cakes occasionally and not to profit as a business. You still need to be able to identify any possible allergen ingredients in your bakes and communicate any potential dangers, whether you are selling them or giving them away.

 

Which training course is right for me?

There are various levels and certificates you can opt for to assist your baking biz, from Level 1 through to Level 3.

Level 1 is a basic introduction to food hygiene. It is designed for people who rarely interact with food as part of their job, such as delivery drivers, and is therefore inadequate for chefs, bakers and caterers.

The Level 2 Food Safety course in catering is far more suitable as this is specifically designed to educate those who handle, prepare and serve food. Restaurants, takeaways, cafes, bars and establishments which serve food to the general public all need this certification at a bare minimum. As for home bakers, it is thorough enough to provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need.

The Level 3 Supervising Food Safety course is applicable to those running a food business in an established venue. For example, managers and supervisors. It is probably not the best course for where you are right now, but you might want to consider it in the future if your business expands and you require staff to help with the demand.

 

Where should I take my food hygiene course?

The good news is that the course can be completed online and from the comfort of your own home. It takes a few hours of your time, so you’ll be done before your cake has finished baking in the oven!

Immediately after completion, you can print off your certificate. So why not display it in your newly registered and approved home bakery?

 

Where can I find training in food safety and food hygiene?

Your local authority may suggest a Level 2 course for you to sit, but there are plenty of interactive and enjoyable courses you can sit online.

Taking an online Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2 for Catering course with My Training Academy is the quickest way to get your Food Safety Certificate. The course is suitable for anyone who handles, prepares or serves food in the catering industry.  This includes those working in restaurants as well as people working in hotels, cafes, fast-food establishments, schools, day nurseries, takeaways, and any other position where you have contact with food.

The course is easy to book and complete, and once you have successfully passed, you can download and print your certificate immediately. The certificate achieved can be used to provide evidence for compliance and audit.

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