New food businesses across Bath and North East Somerset are being reminded they must register with the council's environmental health team.

Since the onset of the pandemic there's been a huge increase in the number of food businesses operating from people's homes. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) says 37% of new food ventures registering on it's digital 'Register a Food Business' service are run from domestic kitchens at private addresses, but many are failing to also register with their local council. It says, as a consequence, these sellers are potentially putting consumers at risk as they may have little knowledge of food safety.

All food businesses have a legal obligation to register with the council 28 days prior to opening, it's an offence not to do so. Businesses must register whether selling online, via social media sites, trading from a physical customer-facing premises or simply selling food from a home kitchen.

Without registration, the council cannot assess the nature of the business, provide advice, give a Food Hygiene Rating, where appropriate, or help home caterers and those who sell online to identify when their hobby may have developed into a food business.

Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Planning and Licensing said: "We have seen a huge increase in people selling food from their homes over the course of the pandemic. That's why we're working with the FSA to support businesses in Bath and North East Somerset to ensure they register and keep us informed of changes to their businesses.

"Registration is free and can't be refused. If you are already trading and have not registered yet, you need to register as soon as possible as this is a legal requirement."

Michael Jackson, Deputy Director and Head of Regulatory Compliance, at the FSA , added: "Local authorities need to know who is trading in their area and registration is an opportunity to ensure that food businesses have access to relevant guidance and support to help them get it right from the start and to protect consumers."

Food businesses can get more information at www.food.gov.uk/register

Not sure if you should register as a food business? We can help you, contact: [email protected]

Registration with the council 28 days before opening is a legal requirement for anyone who starts a new food business or takes over an existing one. This includes anyone who sells, cooks, stores, handles, prepares or distributes food from their home on a regular basis.

Registration applies to the majority of food businesses. This includes anyone who provides food from their homes and online through sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Amazon or eBay as well as from market stalls, food pop ups and vehicles used to provide and distribute food.