Food Hygiene for Home Bakers
If you sell cakes, bakes or treats from home regularly and in an organised way, you are a food business. You must register at least 28 days before you start trading, and follow food hygiene law like any other business.
Recommended courses
A starting point for this kind of work. Your employer decides what your role needs.
Food Labelling · Specialist
Natasha's Law & Food Labelling Training
£14.99after you pass · about 30 min
Who this is for
- Home bakers selling cakes and bakes
- Celebration cake makers
- Market stall and online sellers
- Micro-bakeries run from home
Relevant topics
- Registering as a food business
- Home kitchen hygiene
- Allergens and labelling
- Safe storage and delivery
Typical food safety risks
Domestic kitchen hazardsPets, children and family cooking share the same space.
Fresh cream and fillingsCream, custard and cheesecake are high-risk and need chilling.
Allergen informationCustomers must be able to get accurate allergen information.
Labelling for saleBakes you pack before sale and sell yourself are usually PPDS. Bakes you supply to a shop or café need a full label.
FAQs
Do I need a certificate to sell cakes from home?
A food hygiene certificate is not compulsory, but you must be able to show that you have had adequate food hygiene training. Many home bakers use a Level 2 course for this, and officers may ask how you were trained.
Do I need to register?
Yes, if you provide food regularly and in an organised way. Register with your local authority, or your district council in Northern Ireland, at least 28 days before you start. Registration is free.
Our certificates are private training certificates of completion, not regulated qualifications. UK law does not require one specific food hygiene certificate. It requires food handlers to be supervised and instructed or trained appropriately. Employers decide what training each role needs, and a certificate does not replace practical instruction or supervision.