UK Regulations for Selling Food Online

Welcome to our bite-sized guide on the UK regulations for selling food online. This article covers all the necessary information to help you start and maintain a compliant food business in the UK.

Table of Contents:

1. Food Business Registration
2. Distance Selling and Online Trading
3. Food Hygiene and Safety
4. Licenses and Approvals
5. Allergen Information
6. Food Delivery Protocol
7. What Information Should Be on My Website?
8. Other Helpful Articles

Food Business Registration

Specifically, to run a food business in the UK, you must register with your local authority at least 28 days before starting operations to sell food online. This applies to businesses operating from physical premises, homes, or online. Registration is free and ensures compliance with food safety regulations​​.

Distance Trading and Selling Food Online

Distance selling involves selling food without face-to-face contact, such as via websites, phone calls, or social media. Likewise, you should be familiar with regulations for selling food online, such as the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, which cover information disclosure, cancellation rights, and delivery standards. Make sure to provide mandatory food labelling information on your website​​. Further guidance can be found on the UK Business Companion’s website.

Food Hygiene and Safety

Maintaining high food hygiene standards is crucial. All food handlers must have a Food Hygiene Certificate, and the local authority will inspect your premises. Regular training and adherence to hygiene practices prevent contamination and ensure food safety​​.

Licenses and Approvals

Ultimately, several licenses may be required, such as a Food Premises Approval for handling meat, fish, or dairy products and a Premises License for serving alcohol. To avoid legal issues, ensure all necessary licenses are obtained from your local council before commencing business​​ or selling any food online.

Allergen Information

Additionally, you must provide allergen information for your food products at two stages: before purchase and upon delivery. Specifically, this includes labelling allergens in prepacked and non-prepacked foods to protect consumers with allergies. Proper allergen management practices are essential​​.

Food Delivery Protocol

Finally, ensure food is delivered safely using appropriate food-grade packaging and maintaining the correct temperature. When selling food online, Inform customers about delivery times and handle food carefully to prevent spoilage or contamination during transit​​.

For businesses moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, information on the Windsor Framework is available on GOV.UK. Adopted by the UK and EU on 24 March 2023, this framework supports the flow of agrifood retail products from GB to NI. It allows GB standards for public health, food, marketing, and organics to apply to pre-packed retail goods moved via the NI Retail Movement Scheme (NIRMS).

For more details, visit the Windsor Framework.

What Information Should Be on My Website?

If you advertise or sell food online, your website must provide the same level of information as retail environments:

• General Rules
  The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 require mandatory general information, such as company details and customer service information, for all internet sales.
• Food Labelling
  Article 9 of the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No.1169/11 mandates displaying food names, ingredients, processing aids, country of origin, and usage instructions.
• Nutrition and Health Claims
  The EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 and The Nutrition and Health Claims Regulations (England) 2007 restrict claims about nutrition and health. Only EU-authorised claims are allowed. Check the Europa website and the Department of Health’s Guidance for more information.
• Allergen Information
  The EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No.1169/11 and Food Information Regulations 2014 require allergen labelling for prepacked and non-prepacked foods. The Food Standards Agency offers Technical Guidance for compliance.

For detailed advice, consider consulting a private expert or Public Analyst.

Additional Considerations

• Food Delivery
  Ensure food remains fit for consumption during delivery. Refrigerated items should be delivered quickly, ideally overnight, and packaged to prevent contamination and damage. The Food Safety (Temperature Control) Regulations 1995.

By meeting these requirements, your website will comply with UK regulations, ensuring a safe and trustworthy service for customers.

Other Helpful Articles

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of food business in the UK, here are some additional articles that might be helpful:

1. How to Start a Food Business in the UK
   This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to start your own food business in the UK, from initial planning to legal requirements and practical tips for success in selling food online.
2. An Introduction to Food Prepped
   Discover how Food Prepped can support your food business journey. This article overviews the platform, its features, and how it can help you reach a wider audience and streamline your operations.
3. Choosing a Food and Beverage Marketplace
   Explore the key factors to consider when selecting a marketplace for your food and beverage products. This guide will help you evaluate different platforms and choose the best fit for your business needs.

Exploring these articles will provide valuable insights and resources to help you navigate the UK food business landscape.