Luton Borough Council

Retailers start up advice

You must contact the Food and Safety team if you go ahead with your planned business as it is a legal requirement to register with us. An officer may call you in the coming week to clarify the type of business you intend to start. Follow this link for an explanation of our role in regulating your business.
Follow this link for information on starting up a food business
Follow this link for information which covers the basics of food hygiene
Allergen awareness is important when selling food to the final consumer
It is a legal requirement to have a written food safety management system. A free system called Safer Food Better Business is available. This has been designed for caterers by caterers. You can type onto this version of the pack and print it off once completed. If you prefer you can print the relevant sections of the pack and fill it in by hand. Some sections may not be relevant to your business, it depends much on the type of food you sell and if open high risk food is handled at the shop. You may find our other start up pages useful, especially if you handle open high risk food or if you have a butchery counter.
Follow this link to a document that explains how your food hygiene rating is judged and gives tips on what practices to follow to achieve a better rating
In the UK, food handlers don't have to hold a food hygiene certificate to prepare or sell food. But food business operators must ensure that food handlers receive the appropriate supervision and training in food hygiene. This must be in-line with the area staff work in and to enable them to handle food safely. You may want to look at online food hygiene training providers. Level 2 is recommended for anyone involved in the preparation and handling of foods. Level 3 is recommended for Supervisors and Food Business Operators
These example risk assessments can be useful when analysing health and safety issues at your business; if you have a convenience store/newsagents, a butchery counter, an off license or if you carry out food preparation.
Business support is available from our economic development team
You are advised, especially with a new business, to consult our planning department. You must ensure you business has the necessary planning permission to operate from the premises you have chosen. The duty planning officer is available at (01582) 546317