Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate To Sell Sweets?

If you have a business selling confectionery, you might be wondering if you need a food hygiene certificate to sell sweets.

Whilst it’s not a requirement under law, it is strongly recommended by organisations like the FSA. You Also need to make sure you are complying with UK food safety law even when selling foods you’ve not made on premises. One of the easiest ways to do this is to get a food hygiene certificate.

image of a business selling sweets from lots of containers
Getting a food hygiene certificate for your sweet selling business is an easy way to understand and show compliance with UK food safety laws.

Should You Get a Hygiene Certificate For Selling Sweets?

There’s no law that requires a hygiene certificate for selling sweets. However, all food businesses must be able to demonstrate understanding and compliance of food hygiene laws. A food hygiene certificate is a cheap and easy way to do this.

The course will ensure you have up-to-date knowledge of all relevant legislation. Good food hygiene is a huge must when it comes to selling food. Even if you are working from home, and solely selling wrapped sweets you are still storing and handling these foods directly.


Food Hygiene & Safety For Retail Level 2 – Online Training Course
worker at counter serving food in a hygienic way
  • This course can be completed online in just 3 hours.
  • Download your certificate instantly.
  • Compliant with all UK regulations & Laws.
  • Meets all legal requirements for food handlers.
  • Course content can be played as audio.

£20+ VAT

Bulk discounts available for multiple team members.


Which Food Hygiene Certificate Do I Need For Confectionery?

It is advised that sweet businesses acquire a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate in retail before they open to the public.


Starting Your Sweet Selling Business

You need to register as a food business 28 days before you intend to open a business selling sweets. This is the case even if all the sweets you will be selling are pre-packaged.

Although not a legal requirement, it makes good sense to carry out a food hygiene course as well. Not complying with UK Food Laws is one of the main reasons so many businesses are heavily fined.

Food businesses must be able to demonstrate understanding and compliance of food hygiene laws. A food hygiene qualification is a cheap and easy way to do this.


About Level 2 Food Hygiene For Retail

A level 2 certificate will meet all legal requirements for a sweet business, and can be done online quickly and conveniently.

A Level 2 in food hygiene will cover the following:

  • Food Safety Law.
  • How to prepare food safely.
  • Food risks and how to manage these.
  • How to store food safely.
  • The 14 Food Allergens.
  • Importance of personal hygiene.
  • Keeping food premises clean and safe.
  • Understanding use-by dates.
  • Stock control.

A level 2 food hygiene certification will also provide the correct hygiene certificate for home baking if you wish to start a business preparing and selling other types of confectionery.


Other Food Training Courses to Consider

It can be really beneficial to do a few courses to further your knowledge. Businesses thrive on a good reputation, so why not show your potential customers how seriously you take it? Below are some of the other food training courses you may want to consider.


Food Allergen Awareness Training

It is imperative to have some knowledge of food allergens when you are selling food to the public. From time to time, your customers may well ask for this information so having it on hand is important. It will also help you understand how to label food when necessary.


Food Labelling Regulations Training Course

This course will be useful so that you can understand how to correctly label your sweets before selling them. Customers need to be able to make informed decisions about products so it is important to be transparent.

Further Reading

One thought on “Do I Need a Food Hygiene Certificate To Sell Sweets?

  1. Missy says:

    I have been asked by a local shop if I would like to supply Chocolate Truffles to them which I make at home. It is not a regular contract and only for occasions such as Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day. Do I need to register as a business requiring 28 day registration beforehand? I am happy to do apply to gain a Food Hygiene Certificate. Your advice would be appreciated

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