Helping businesses achieve their
5-Star Food Hygiene Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do all food businesses need a food hygiene rating?

Yes, all businesses are required by law to have a food hygiene rating. Businesses with a low risk to public health or carer services are exempt from food hygiene ratings. For the complete list of exemptions visit or contact the Food Standards Agency.

Why is Food Safety important?

Food hygiene ratings certify the quality of your business and its safety to customers. If guidelines don't meet UK food standards, it can result in closure.

Katy Elliott creates bespoke food standards guidelines to ensure your business meets this task.

What does a Food Hygiene Inspection check for?

Inspectors perform a complete risk assessment that evaluates:

  • current food safety system
  • how you work
  • making and preparation of different types of food
  • cleanliness of all areas.

When does an audit happen? How often does an audit happen?

Inspections can occur at any time, and their frequency varies depending on the risk the Food Standards Agency thinks you pose to the public / your customers.

What are the 4C's of food hygiene?

  1. Cleaning
  2. Cooking
  3. Chilling
  4. Cross-contamination

Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB)

What is SFBB?

SFBB is a government resource pack helping your business meet all food hygiene regulations. This includes advice on cross-contamination, cooking/chilling and more.

Are there alternative information packs to SFBB?

Yes, Katy Elliott provides an easy-to-understand alternative that, if followed, can guarantee a 5-Star Food Hygiene Rating.

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)

What is HACCP?

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a food safety system that prevents food hazards in 7 steps focused on assessing, improving and monitoring your food safety.

Does my business have to implement HACCP?

Yes, any business that sells food to the public is required to implement a form of HACCP.

Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA)

What is SALSA?

Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) is a certification formulated by a group of food safety professionals, ensuring food manufacturers meet government standards and exceed them.

Does SALSA apply to my business?

Certification is targeted at all food businesses that are required to ensure high food standards (particular focus on the smaller food producers and suppliers).

Natasha's Law

What is the UK Food Information Amendment (Natasha's Law)

The UK Food Information Amendment requires food businesses to label any pre-packaged food they sell to the public.

What food isn't included under Natasha's Law?

Food without packaging or packaged after a customer has ordered is exempt from Natasha's Law. However, this food still needs allergen information to be conveyed through other non-printed means (e.g. verbal communication).

Food contamination

What are the most common food hygiene issues?

  • Food not being cooked thoroughly
  • Incorrect food storage
  • Leaving cooked food too long at warm temperatures
  • Insufficiently reheating cooked food
  • Unwashed hands
  • An unwell person working in the kitchen
  • Food passed its use-by date
  • Cross-contamination (spread of bacteria between food, equipment, and surfaces)

How do you avoid food contamination?

Ensuring your business is up-to-date with all UK food standards is essential. Systems such as SFBB or resources like Katy Elliott's bespoke guide help mitigate the risks of food contamination in food businesses.

Allergens

What are the most common allergenic ingredients?

  • Celery
  • Crustaceans
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Gluten
  • Lupin
  • Milk
  • Molluscs
  • Mustard
  • Peanuts
  • Sesame
  • Soy
  • Sulphur dioxide/sulphites
  • Tree nuts

What needs to be included on food labels?

According to the food labelling regulations in the UK, labels must include the name of the food and every ingredient (including additives). Allergenic ingredients must be highlighted by a different colour, font or style.

Where should allergenic ingredients be displayed?

The law requires a food label to be present anywhere on products with over 2 ingredients (including additives).

What is a precautionary allergen label?

Precautionary allergen labels highlight any unavoidable allergen cross-contact that could occur during the food process. This cannot be used in conjunction with a free-from statement of the same allergen (e.g. “free-from peanuts” and “may contain peanuts”).

Why is allergen labelling important?

After purchasing pre-packaged food Natasha Ednan-Laperouse suffered an allergic reaction. The food didn't label allergens that could've made its way into the food from production. She passed away at the age of 15. Natasha's parents battled for laws to be changed and in October 2021 they won.

Natasha's Law requires food manufacturers to label every allergen and potential allergen in pre-packaged food. Making sure that customers with allergies can safely shop.

Common Allergic Reactions

Mild Allergy Symptoms

  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Fluid retention
  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Tearful eyes

Severe / Anaphylaxis Symptoms

  • Restricted airways
  • Trouble breathing and/or swallowing
  • Severely swollen lips, tongue or throat
  • Severe drop in blood pressure and shock
  • Chest pain, rapid pulse or weak, uneven heartbeat
  • Feeling confused, light-headed or weak