Home Catering African Food

by Esther
(Dartford)


I intend starting a mobile catering business selling mostly African foods. However most of the food will be cooked at my home kitchen first and then transported to the catering trailer which will be permanently stationary at a set location. What sort of requirements will need to be met to use my kitchen to carry out commercial cooking?

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Jan 20, 2025
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starstarstarstarstar 		Outside Catering African Foods
by: David-

Starting a mobile catering business selling African foods sounds like a wonderful idea! Since you plan to cook most of the food at home and transport it to your catering trailer, you’ll need to meet specific requirements for using your home kitchen for commercial cooking. Here's a clear and concise guide to help you get started:

1. Register Your Food Business

Who to Contact: Register your home kitchen as a food business with your local council’s Environmental Health Department. This is a legal requirement and must be done at least 28 days before you start operating.

What Happens Next: An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will visit your home kitchen to inspect it for compliance with food hygiene regulations.

2. Meet Food Hygiene Standards

Your home kitchen will need to meet the same standards as any commercial kitchen. Key requirements include:
General Hygiene

Cleanliness: Surfaces, utensils, and appliances must be kept clean and sanitized.

Smooth, Washable Surfaces: Worktops, walls, and floors should be smooth, hard-wearing, and easy to clean.

Separate Sinks: Ideally, you’ll need separate sinks for handwashing and washing utensils.

Food Safety Practices

Storage: Store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent cross-contamination.

Temperature Control: Use commercial-grade thermometers to monitor cooking and storage temperatures. Hot food must be kept above 63°C, and cold food below 5°C.

Pest Control: Ensure your kitchen is pest-free and secure from potential contamination.

Personal Hygiene

Wear clean protective clothing (e.g., aprons).
Wash hands frequently, especially when handling raw meat or allergens.

3. Food Hygiene Training

Obtain a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate for yourself and anyone else involved in food preparation. This is mandatory and ensures you understand food safety practices.

4. Equipment and Storage

Dedicated Equipment: Use separate utensils and appliances for your business to avoid mixing them with personal cooking items.

Fridge and Freezer Space: Ensure you have adequate refrigeration for storing ingredients and prepared dishes. Label everything clearly to differentiate personal and business items.

5. Transportation of Food

Safe Containers: Transport food in food-grade, airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.

Temperature Maintenance: Use insulated boxes or portable food warmers to keep hot food above 63°C during transit. Cold food should be kept below 5°C using cool boxes with ice packs.

Regular Cleaning: Clean your transport containers after every use.

6. Commercial Waste Management

Arrange for a proper waste disposal system for your business. Domestic waste collection services usually don’t cover commercial waste, so contact your council or a licensed waste disposal company.

7. Insurance

Public Liability Insurance: Protects you in case of claims related to foodborne illnesses or accidents.

Product Liability Insurance: Covers claims related to the food you sell.
Home Insurance: Inform your insurer about your business activity, as this may affect your home insurance policy.

8. Labeling and Allergen Information

Clearly label your dishes with a list of ingredients.
Highlight allergens as per UK food labeling regulations. Common allergens include nuts, dairy, and gluten.

9. Check with Your Local EHO

Your EHO can provide tailored advice for your setup. They might have additional requirements based on your specific circumstances, such as:

Whether you need planning permission to use your home kitchen for business purposes.
The number of inspections your home kitchen will require annually.

10. Additional Tips

Speak with Professionals: Reach out to local mobile catering manufacturers or other mobile catering businesses for advice.

Avoid Rework: Confirm all requirements before making modifications to your home or business setup to avoid costly changes later.

By following these steps and staying in contact with your local EHO, you’ll be able to confidently and legally use your home kitchen for commercial cooking. Best of luck with your new venture—I’m sure your African foods will be a big hit!

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