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Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate to Sell Bacon Sandwiches From My Farm Shop?

by janise
(penrith)

White mobile catering van serving a bacon roll to a customer at a rural farm shop

White mobile catering van serving a bacon roll to a customer at a rural farm shop

i am opening a farm shop but also selling bacon sandwiches ect what certificate do I need is it food and hygiene

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Oct 06, 2026
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by: MobCater

Hello Janise, and what a nice combination to be putting together. A farm shop with hot bacon sandwiches on the go is exactly the sort of thing people pull in for, so you are onto a good idea.

The word "certificate" is where a lot of people tie themselves in knots, so let me untangle it, because there are really two separate things here and only one of them is a certificate. The first is a legal step rather than a piece of paper you buy. You need to register as a food business with your local council before you start, and the rule is to do it at least 28 days before you trade. Registration is free, they cannot refuse you, and it is simply how your local Environmental Health Officer knows you are there. In your part of the world that will be your local authority's environmental health team, and a quick call to them early on is time well spent.

The certificate you are actually thinking of is the Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate. It is not a licence, it is a training qualification, and it is the one every person handling food really ought to have. You can do it online in an afternoon for around twenty pounds, and it is exactly what the EHO expects to see when they call round.

Because you are cooking bacon rather than selling sealed jars of chutney, the officer will take more interest in how you handle hot food. That means keeping raw and ready to eat apart, a dedicated hand wash basin with hot water, and sensible temperature control. The easiest way to show you have thought it through is the Safer Food Better Business pack, which is free from the Food Standards Agency. Fill it in and it doubles as your inspection prep and feeds straight into your food hygiene rating.

In my experience the officers want you to pass, not to trip you up. Get registered, sit your Level 2, keep the SFBB diary up to date, and you will be in good shape to open.

Best of luck

David

Disclaimer: Food safety rules are updated from time to time. Always check the latest FSA guidance and speak to your local EHO for the most current requirements in your area.

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