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As a nation of tea and coffee connoisseurs – there’s always room for one more coffee shop. It is hard to resist the scent of freshly brewed coffee, especially when it is coming from an independent, small business. Perhaps you are contemplating opening your own? If so, this article will help. Here you can learn what food hygiene certificate you’ll need to open your coffee shop as well as other food safety related requirements that you’ll need to be aware of.
Food law requires that you register as self-employed, and register your business if you sell or give away food for free on a regular basis. This should be done at least 28 days before you open for business – and can be done in a matter of minutes, online. Your local authority will then arrange to visit your premises for a food hygiene inspection. This will assess whether your food preparation areas and food safety protocols are up to standard. To register online and to find out more information please visit the GOV website. Registration is free, and registration cannot be refused.
Everybody who works within the food industry should also familiarise themselves and their employees with these two food hygiene laws and regulations. We recommend revising the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 as the bare minimum. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing food hygiene laws and can inspect your business at any point in the food production and distribution process. Penalties for non-compliance with food safety legislation include unlimited fines under the new sentencing guidelines.
All food industry premises must adhere to food hygiene and safety rules and regulations. One way to show that you adhere to regulations is by obtaining food hygiene certificates for your staff. Essential Food Hygiene offers three core Food Hygiene & Safety courses; level one, level two, and level three – each targeted at different areas within a food business. They are as follows:
Level Two Food Hygiene & Safety – Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety course is for those looking to take the next step in their education of food hygiene, and this level two cert is the one that any who makes coffee or handles food in your cafe should do to prove that they have sufficient training in food hygiene. The level two food hygiene and safety course takes 1 – 2 hours to complete.
Click Here to do this course now for just £10 (bulk discounts available)
Legally standing, you do not need a food hygiene certificate to produce and sell food items although it is recommended by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). In the UK, anyone working with food must be adequately trained or have received appropriate instructions or supervision in food safety matters relevant to their role. Obtaining a food hygiene certificate is the best way to demonstrate your level of training and the ideal way to instill confidence and show customers that you do take food hygiene seriously and have the paperwork to back it up.
You can obtain a food hygiene certificate directly on the course section of our website. Our Level Two Food Hygiene and Safety course is ideal for those thinking of opening their coffee shop. This course builds upon the foundational knowledge of the Level One Food Hygiene and Safety course but goes into further detail regarding the safe handling and preparation of food in the catering industry. It isn’t essential to do the level 1 course, but it is a recommended foundation for anyone who is quite uninformed on food hygiene and safety, as it will lay the foundation for the level 2 certificate.
Learners will find the course easy to navigate, informative, and readily accessible due to its online nature. The Level Two Food Hygiene and Safety is tailored towards those who have direct and frequent contact with food, and a central role in food preparation and handling.
The course takes roughly 1 – 2 hours to complete and the examination consists of 25 multiple-choice questions which cover each of the three core sections (responsibilities, hazards, and hygiene). Once the exam has been passed, the student will receive their CPD Group accredited digital certificate instantly.
All UK regulations, guidelines, and best practices have been followed to create the course content which works directly to educate learners, allowing them to fulfill their job roles safely and legally. When put into practice, the material in this course can help businesses achieve and sustain a high food hygiene rating for your business.
Having a food hygiene certificate promotes you as having a conscientious work ethic and gives you the knowledge to back up your experience and level of training – which would look great to prospective clients, customers, potential employers, and fellow staff. Instill confidence in yourself and others whilst learning and developing new and existing skills to help further your career and business. Protect your business from lawsuits – if a customer tries to sue the business for food poisoning, you can use your certificates as evidence that your staff were sufficiently trained, and that the business had done its due diligence in that regard.
Every food or drink business should also apply for a food hygiene rating. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is led by the government in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is put in place to make sure that cafes, food stalls, takeaways, restaurants, and more are preparing food in sanitary, and safe conditions – thus protecting the public. contact your local authority if you do not yet have your food hygiene rating.
A safe and clean environment is your first step and should be the first area to check and address. The majority of your hygiene rating score is based on cleanliness and structure. Make sure to have a strict cleaning and waste system in place and that you or your employees follow it. Documents regarding food hygiene, safety, staff training, and cleaning schedules are important and should be updated regularly. It is recommended to use a digital method with this as your documents and reports are readily available at the click of a button.
Any food products that you have on your premises should be stored correctly, separately, and in date. Raw and cooked food should also be stored in different places and expiration dates should be displayed clearly. Always make sure food is prepared and cooked in a hygienic and safe manner – with the correct temperatures and conditions. Train employees in food hygiene and safety and make sure they adhere to it.
Taking your food business seriously, from the moment you decide to open it is the key to success. I hope this article was of help – I think it’s time to put the kettle on.
