Rules on selling food at the gate

[OpheliaPlum]

I have hens and ducks and sell eggs by my gate using an honesty box. I’ve sold jam in the same place after allotment gluts. To earn extra money, I’m now thinking of baking cakes/ flapjacks and maybe dog biscuits as we have lots of walkers going past at the weekend. Is this allowed? Do I have to do any special food safety things? Do I need permission from the council?

How about booking on at a local craft fair?

Lovely idea, but I don’t have spare time to be at a craft fair stall, unfortunately and lots of people already stop at the gate for eggs. The honest box means I can pop the eggs outside and go to work and was looking to extend that within what is lawfully allowed.

I would think your local council would know maybe?

e.g. www.testvalley.gov.uk/business/licensingandregulation/licensing/food/food-premises-registration

Just do it until you’re told to stop.

Thanks @TeenDivided I’m not clear though from your link whether I’m exempt.

This is the bit that confuses me “The direct supply, by the producer, of small quantities of primary products to the final consumer or to local retail establishments directly supplying the final consumer”.

I’ve been similarly confused with local council information so wanted to ask here if anyone knows definitively.

Primary products means unprocessed so eggs, fruit, vegetables are fine but not jam, cakes etc.

It sounds to me like you would be exempt provided you keep it small. Though I guess it depends what small is.

Ah well in that case you wouldn't be exempt.

What about allergies? Wouldn't you have to label all your baked products?

www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/setting-up-a-food-business

I would imagine the EHO will want to check your premises.
(Environmental Health Officer). I do know someone who runs a small cake business from her own kitchen and the EHO visits her the same as other more commercial businesses.

It's also about demonstrating you understand about things such as cross contamination etc.

This is also very useful- most chefs use this type of thing www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/safer-food-better-business-for-caterers

Surely if you have allergies, you aren't going to pick-up an unlabelled flapjack from a bench outside someone's house.

I am sure technically there is a whole load of red tape. But in all honesty unless a neighbour has a grudge, I doubt anybody would care.

If you start doing anything other than selling eggs , fruit etc you need to register as a food business and show you understand food safety and hygiene and allergen information is provided. Your local council will visit and provide a good hygiene rating.

Yeah, I agree with this.

I've bought loads of stuff from the kids schools and events at the village hall etc. it's all been fine. I probably wouldn't if I had allergies.

Thanks so much everyone. I want to do this regularly, rather than a one-off and definitely don’t want to make anyone sick. Appreciate the clarification and will give the council a call before starting and register.