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Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484354
ehealth@lewes.gov.uk
Minicom 01273 484488
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Food Business Advice
Food Safety Legislation set out the main requirements for food businesses. Follow the summary of information if you own a food business in the district.
Registration of Food Business
Subject to a few exemptions, all food businesses must be registered with the local authority at least 28 days prior to commencement of trading. Registration is a one off exercise, which cannot be refused and is free of charge.All food businesses are inspected by us, as the Local Authority, on a frequency determined by the food safety risks associated with the particular business.
Food Safety Management
A documented Food Safety Management system is central to food safety legislation. This involves considering in detail how you prepare foodstuffs, including all stages from purchase of ingredients to service of your customers; identifying what food safety hazards exist at each stage and putting appropriate controls/procedures in place to prevent these hazards from causing illness or injury.
Training
The proprietor of a food business must ensure that food handlers are supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters relevant to their work. If you have not already done so, you (and other key staff) are advised to undertake training equivalent to the CIEH ‘Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering’ (formerly the Basic or Foundation Certificate) before starting to trade.
Structure
The structure of the premises must allow for the hygienic preparation and correct storage of foodstuffs and have adequate hand and equipment washing facilities. You should ensure that walls, floors and ceilings are in a sound condition and that all work surfaces are in a condition that can be easily cleaned and sanitised.
Temperature Control
Foods which could potentially support the growth of harmful bacteria e.g. cooked meats, dairy products etc., must be stored at safe temperatures which are prescribed in the legislation.
Health And Safety Legislation
The Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 is the main legislation under which a comprehensive range of health and safety regulations has been made.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
These regulations require employers to undertake a “risk assessment” of the workplace and work activities to identify any safety hazards which exist, to consider the risks arising from those hazards, and to put into place any necessary precautions to remove or minimise those risks.
Issues to consider will include gas and electrical safety, equipment safety, slip/trip hazards etc. You need to consider the safety of yourself, your staff and other persons who could be affected by your business.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
These Regulations cover a wide range of basic health, safety and welfare issues applicable to the workplace including temperature, ventilation, lighting and provision of sanitary conveniences.
Asbestos
If you or your organisation has clear responsibility for the maintenance or repair of a business premises through an explicit agreement, such as a tenancy agreement or contract, then it is likely that you will have a legal duty to identify and manage any asbestos which may be present in your business premises. You would also have a legal duty to advise any persons or contractors carrying out work on the building of the location of any asbestos containing material.
Fire Safety
Recent legislation regarding fire safety has changed and it is now likely you will have to provide fire risk assessments.
Trading Standards
Food labelling legislation will apply if you are selling pre-packed foods. There are also labelling requirements relating to takeaway food, meals served on the premises and foods sold “loose”. Other issues which may include: Pricing, Business Names, Trade Descriptions, Quantity marking and measurement, Underage Sales and Product Safety.
Customer Toilets
Where seating is provided for customers to eat on the premises, customer toilets must be provided in accordance with British Standard 6465-1:2006. You should also take into account toilet provision for disabled customers.
Waste Disposal
Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act sets out a legal duty of care as respects waste. This applies to all commercial and industrial premises regardless of the size of the organisation or the amount of waste produced.
There is no provision within business rates for waste collection - all commercial and industrial premises in the United Kingdom should make their own contractual arrangements to have their waste removed.
One particular issue is the correct disposal of fats, oils and greases which must not be poured down the drains.
Alcohol Licensing
If you are intending to sell alcohol in the future you will need a licence.
Street Trading Consent
If you are intending to operate a mobile food van or similar within the Lewes district, you should contact us for further advice about where you are permitted to trade.
