Food Safety FAQ

Where can I get a licence to run a food business?

Food premises are not required to have a licence, but their owners have to register with the local council at least 28 days notice before opening.

When existing businesses change, the new owner must also notify the council. Details of the nature of the business and address are kept on a public register.

Registration is free. Follow this link for more information about registration.

I own a small food business and want to recruit an assistant - will my new employee need any special qualifications?

There is no minimum qualification that you must ask for. However, as the owner of the business, you must ensure that all staff working for you receive training and supervision in food hygiene related to the work they will be doing.

The more involved the work is, the greater the risk will be and the greater the requirement for appropriate training.

It is a wise investment of time and money to ensure your staff are aware of food hygiene. In some circumstances, the proprietor can be held liable for the acts or omissions of employees.

Some businesses require employees to hold, or be working towards, a Level 2 award in Food Safety in Catering.  (What used to be known as a Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene or a Basic Food Hygiene certificate). For recruiting purposes, the level 2 award is an indicator that the applicant has a good  general understanding of food hygiene - though it doesn't mean that they don't need in-house training.

The Level 2 award in Food Safety in Catering is run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Please follow this link to find out more about it.

I run a mobile food business and work across local authority borders. Where do I register?

The food business operator is responsible for registering the business activity, so they should register with the council in who's area they live.

If I own a mobile food vehicle, are there any rules about where I can park?

• If you want to trade at markets or in the town centre you should speak to the markets inspector .
• If you want to trade by the roadside and lay-bys you should speak to the city engineers 
• If you want to trade at organised events such as carnivals and fetes run by the council you should speak to Leisure and Cultural Services Division.
• If you want to trade on private land you must get the express permission of the land owner or you may be removed from the site.

You can contact all Council Departments by ringing 01782 234234

Does the law say that I have to wear a hat when I'm handling food?

Food safety law requires you should wear appropriate protective clothing.  If you handle open food in your business a hat is appropriate to help prevent hairs, which are naturally covered in bacteria, falling into your products. A suitable hat should cover as much hair as possible. After all, no customer want to find a hair in a cream bun or sandwich - you could lose valuable trade. 

Futher information

For the latest information regarding food safety, click on the following link to the Food Standards Agency website. Or contact us at Regulatory Services.  Click here for our contact details