Food hygiene requirements

We carry out over 1300 interventions each year to food businesses across Gateshead looking at how well they are complying with food legislation. Below are some of the common things we look at in all businesses.

Surfaces: There are many different surfaces that can be used in a kitchen floors, walls, ceilings, and equipment. The basic requirements are that surfaces are smooth, impervious to water, non-toxic and easy to clean.

Personal hygiene facilities:Provide clean and ventilated toilets which do not lead directly into food rooms. There must also be a wash hand basin provided with hot and cold water, soap and hand drying facilities.

Wash hand basin: Provide a wash hand basin in food rooms supplied with hot and cold water, soap and hand drying facilities.

Protective clothing: Clean, protective over-clothing must be worn by food handlers. It must only be worn at work and therefore suitable changing areas must be provided away from food rooms.

Extraction systems: Sufficient ventilation must be provided, designed to allow easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Planning permission may be required for certain systems.

Pest control: Pests pose a serious health risk, you must have adequate systems in place to prevent and control infestations of insects and rodent pests.

Refuse disposal: You must make suitable arrangements for the hygienic disposal of waste materials. The Council can provide a service for the removal of waste.

Training: All food handlers must have specific training in food hygiene. Details of food hygiene courses are available on our food safety training flyer (PDF, 82 KB)(opens new window).

Hazard Analysis: Food businesses are required to have a documented food safety procedure based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles. This requirement is designed to make food business operators focus on the activities critical to the safety of food in their business and to find ways of controlling them and where appropriate document the process.

The Food Standards Agency has developed a pack to help retailers and caterers to comply with the above requirements. 

Safer food better business (opens new window)