We have just finished these cheerful-looking labels for Chefly’s meal boxes. They provide a subscription-based meal service, delivering over 29 delicious and healthy meals to hungry people across the UK.
The labels are an essential part of their branding but also play an important role in informing the customers about the proper cooking instructions, allergens and ingredients. There are stringent rules when it comes to selling food products and the Food Standards Agency makes sure companies comply with them. If you are selling any food products in the UK you definitely make yourself familiar with all of their policies. Here’s a start:
Food business registration
When you start a new food business or take over an existing business, you must register with your local authority. You should do this at least 28 days before you start trading.
This includes food businesses trading:
- from physical customer-facing premises
- from home
- from a mobile unit or temporary premises
- online (for example via social media or a website) or through distance selling (distance selling means any selling that happens without face-to-face contact with the consumer)
Checklist: things to consider before starting a food business
Planning
Having a business plan is important to running a successful food business. Further guidance (Opens in a new window) on how to write a business plan, including examples of business plans are available online.
Registration
Once you are ready to start your food business, you must register (Opens in a new window) with your local authority at least 28 days before you begin trading.
Permissions
If you are running your business from home, there are certain requirements (Opens in a new window) that need to be met. For more information go to our guidance on starting a food business from home.
Register as self-employed
If you are starting a food business, you need to inform HMRC (Opens in a new window) that you are self-employed. To get more advice on the financial aspects of becoming a food business owner, head to our additional help and support.
Set up food safety procedures
Food businesses must have food safety management procedures in place. Read our guidance on starting your food business safely.
Consider food safety training
It is important to demonstrate the highest standards of food preparation, handling, storage and serving. For more information read our guidance on starting your food business safely.
Practice good food hygiene
Good food hygiene is essential to make sure that the food you serve is safe to eat. For more information read our guidance on starting your food business safely.
Prepare your premises to run a food business
Your food business premises, which could be your home, must be kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition. For more information read our guidance on setting up your food business premises.
Selling food online and delivering it safely
You must ensure that all food is delivered to consumers in a way that ensures that it does not become unsafe or unfit to eat. More information on safe delivery can be found in selling food for delivery.
Provide allergen information and follow labelling rules
Food businesses of all sizes are required to provide allergen information and follow labelling rules as set out in food law. More information on allergen management can be found in our guidance on starting your food business safely.
- Getting ready to start your food business
- Starting your food business safely
- Setting up your food business premises
- Starting a food business from your home
- Selling food for delivery
- Changing your business operating model
- Additional help and support
As a label printing company, we deal with food labels frequently and can be of assistance if you’re struggling with all the rules and regulations. Give us a call and let’s have a chat on 01978 664544.