New food businesses based in Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded they must register with the council’s environmental health team.
The reminder follows the huge jump in the number of food firms operating from people’s homes since the onset of the pandemic.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), 37% of new food ventures registering with it are run from domestic kitchens at private addresses.
But many are failing to register with their local council and, as a result, could potentially be putting customers at risk as they may have little knowledge of food safety.
All food businesses have a legal obligation to register with the council 28 days prior to opening. It is free and cannot be refused by the council but failure to register is an offence.
Businesses must register whether selling online, via social media sites, trading from physical customer-facing premises or simply selling food from a home kitchen.
Without registration, the council cannot assess the nature of the business, provide advice, give a Food Hygiene Rating where appropriate, or help home caterers and those who sell online to identify when their hobby may have developed into a food business.
Bath & North East Somerset Council cabinet member for planning and licensing Cllr Tim Ball said: “We have seen a huge increase in people selling food from their homes over the course of the pandemic.
“That’s why we’re working with the FSA to support businesses to ensure they register and keep us informed of changes to their businesses.”
FSA deputy director and head of regulatory compliance Michael Jackson added: “Local authorities need to know who is trading in their area and registration is an opportunity to ensure that food businesses have access to relevant guidance and support to help them get it right from the start and to protect consumers.”
Food businesses can get more information at www.food.gov.uk/register or can email publicprotection@bathnes.gov.uk
