Food hygiene
Food hygiene and safety legislation affects all businesses in the food industry, including restaurants, retailers, catering companies, cafés and take aways. As a business owner or employee you must understand what is required in order to comply with legislation. It is imperative that you maintain high standards otherwise you will run the risk of investigations and prosecutions which will seriously affecting your business.
When it comes to the health of the general public the local authorities and the courts are committed to ensuring that people disregarding food hygiene are punished accordingly.
The Food Hygiene Regulations
The most important Food Hygiene Regulations for your business are the Food Hygiene (England) Regulation 2006 (as amended) and Regulation (EC) number No.852/2004 on the Hygiene of Food Stuffs. These set out the basic hygiene requirements for all aspects of your business, from your premises and facilities to the personal hygiene of your staff.
Reducing your risk
You can seek to reduce the risk of breaching food hygiene regulations by ensuring you understand the legal requirements. There are many common pitfalls made by restaurants, takeaways and cafés which could be rectified relatively easily. However if not dealt with, they can lead to serious damaged to your business. These pitfalls can include:
- Infestations
- Unclean kitchens
- Dirty utensils
- Sale of unsafe food produce
- Incorrect or incomplete labelling of food
- Lack of food safety management systems
What to do if you have broken the law
By taking immediate action and enlisting the help of legal experts you can avoid prosecution. In the event that the case does lead to prosecution from the food standards authorities or associated environmental health enforcers we can advise and support you until the case concludes.
Our solicitors are experienced in food hygiene law and we can effectively advise clients on the best course of action in the face of investigations and prosecutions.
Our solicitors will strive to present a case which will result in the minimal amount of disruption to your business.
Are you up to date with regulations?
Find out more.
What happens if I am prosecuted?
Find out more.
