Yes, selling homemade food in the UK is legal but tightly controlled under food safety laws enforced by local authorities and the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Permitted under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 and equivalent devolved legislation, home-based producers must register with their council, comply with hygiene standards, and avoid high-risk foods. The 2026 UK Food Strategy may introduce stricter traceability requirements, particularly for allergens and online sales.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in United Kingdom
- Registration: Businesses must register with their local council at least 28 days before trading under the Food Safety Act 1990, even for low-volume sales. Failure to register risks fines up to £5,000.
- Hygiene Standards: Compliance with Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 mandates clean premises, handwashing facilities, and documented risk assessments. Home kitchens must meet commercial-grade hygiene, including separate storage for raw and cooked foods.
- Restricted Foods: High-risk items (e.g., unpasteurised dairy, raw shellfish) are prohibited unless produced in approved facilities. Allergen labelling is mandatory under Food Information Regulations 2014, with penalties for mislabelling reaching £20,000.