Environmental Health

You are preparing food for sale and public consumption and, as such, the place in which you do this MUST be approved by the local Environmental Health people. This should be a quite simple and painless thing but you should be aware of a few basic considerations.

They will look to check the general state of repair of your kitchen (assuming that is where you will operate from) making sure ceilings, walls and floors are in good condition and are easily cleanable. Solid floors are a favourite and tiled backs will be OK. Defined areas of storage for empty jars and also for product will be checked.

Aside from that your method of operation will also be examined and here we have found it useful to actually draw up a series of work instructions to show how we would works. A few things to consider would be;

• Cleaning of all surfaces and utensils.
• Closing of kitchen area and use of screens if windows are to be left open for ventilation.
• Exclusion of pets - completely.
• Exclusion of pet foods - completely.
• Exclusion of house plants - completely.
• Exclusion of other obvious things, weedkillers, plant foods, detergents, bike parts, dirty footwear and dead bodies.
• CLEAN towels.
• Handwashing facilities.
• Use a dishwasher to clean jars and utensils that are to be used in extracting and bottling of honey. (if you can)