Basic Food Health & Safety Standard Practices

Here’s a list of important food health and safety regulations that restaurants and home-based food businesses must follow in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), and European Union (EU). It is your responsibility as a vendor to find out and to obey all your local food health and safety regulations. Below are some of the best practices on food health and safety practices implemented in US, UK, and Europe; however, we are expecting you as a vendor to be responsible to do above and beyond just regulated standards.

🇺🇸 United States (US) – Key Food Safety Regulations

1. FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

   • Description: Shifts the focus from responding to foodborne illnesses to preventing them, requiring food businesses to implement preventive controls.
   • Source: FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

2. USDA Food Safety Regulations

   • Description: Oversees the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products, ensuring proper labeling, storage, and processing to prevent contamination.
   • Source: USDA Food Safety Standards

3. FDA Food Code

   • Description: Provides a model for safeguarding public health and ensuring food is unadulterated and honestly presented when offered to the consumer.
   • Source: FDA Food Code

4. Cottage Food Laws

   • Description: State-specific regulations allowing individuals to prepare and sell low-risk foods from their homes under defined conditions.
   • Source: Varies by state; refer to your state’s Department of Agriculture or Health Department for specific guidelines.

5. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)

   • Description: Requires clear labeling of major food allergens to protect consumers with food allergies.
   • Source: Food Allergens and Gluten-Free Guidance & Regulatory Information

6. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards

   • Description: Ensures workplace safety, including proper handling of food and maintenance of hygienic conditions in food establishments.
   • Source: OSHA Food Services Industry Standards

🇬🇧 United Kingdom (UK) – Key Food Safety Regulations

1. Food Safety Act 1990

   • Description: Establishes the framework for food safety, ensuring that food is safe to eat and not misleadingly presented.
   • Source: Food Safety Act 1990

2. Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013

   • Description: Implements EU hygiene regulations, requiring food businesses to maintain hygiene standards and register with local authorities.
   • Source: Food Hygiene Regulations

3. Natasha’s Law (Food Information (Amendment) Regulations 2019)

   • Description: Mandates full ingredient and allergen labeling on pre-packed for direct sale foods to protect consumers with allergies.
   • Source: The Impact of Natasha’s Law on Food Information and Labelling Requirements

4. Food Information Regulations 2014

   • Description: Requires clear and accurate labeling of food products, including allergen information and nutritional details.
   • Source: Food Information Regulations 2014

5. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

   • Description: Ensures the health and safety of employees and the public in connection with work activities, including food preparation and handling.
   • Source: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

🇪🇺 European Union (EU) – Key Food Safety Regulations

1. General Food Law Regulation (EC) No 178/2002

   • Description: Lays down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and procedures for food safety.
   • Source: Regulation (EC) No 178/2002

2. Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) No 852/2004

   • Description: Sets out general hygiene requirements for all food business operators to ensure food safety throughout the food chain.
   • Source: Regulation (EC) No 852/2004

3. Food Information to Consumers Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011

   • Description: Requires food businesses to provide clear and comprehensive labeling, including allergen information, to consumers.
   • Source: Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011

4. Novel Foods Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

   • Description: Regulates the authorization and use of novel foods to ensure they are safe for consumers.
   • Source: Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

5. Organic Production and Labelling of Organic Products Regulation (EU) 2018/848

   • Description: Establishes the requirements for organic production and labeling to ensure consumer trust in organic products.
   • Source: Regulation (EU) 2018/848