Do Catering Vans have to Follow the Same Hygiene Rules as Other Takeaway Outlets?

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Do Catering Vans have to Follow the Same Hygiene Rules as Other Takeaway Outlets?

Catering Vans and Trailers are an exciting proposition for those wanting to be their own boss and to a certain extent choose their own working hours.

However, there is a lot to consider when setting up a catering van, here we cover the food hygiene aspect.

Your first priority is to ensure that the build standard of the catering area is sufficient to pass the stringent Food Standards Agency (FSA) health and safety checks. 

You will also need to take and pass a food hygiene course to be allowed to operate a catering business.

In England Wales and Northern Ireland it is essential that you register the food business with the environmental health section of the local authority.

The local authority in partnership with the FSA may inspect the vehicle.  Get registered early, to give them time to inspect and yourself time to make recommended changes before you start the business.  Discuss what is required with the inspecting team, the better your standard when you are checked the higher your rating, the higher your rating the higher customer confidence will be. 

Any catering premises with a low score will need to rectify any shortfalls in the standards and be subjected to a follow up inspection.  In extreme cases premises are not allowed to trade if the inspector is not happy with the level of hygiene.

What this means for you is that the catering van needs to be of the highest catering standard.  It is an advantage for you and/or your staff to go on and pass a good recognised industry food hygiene course and to pass with high scores.  Remember to practice what is learnt and you should pass the food safety checks.

Whilst some councils may use a slightly different checklist or criteria for catering vans over bricks and mortar catering businesses, generally the same high standards are expected.

If you are a Catering business owner and would like to Insure your van, get in touch with us. Our Catering Van Insurance quotes are very competitive and we are not on comparison websites.

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