Listed below are some key resources and guidance for local authorities and businesses. You can also search all our business guidance.
Local authority guidance and training
An overview of our guidance for local authorities
Cooksafe and HACCP
Everyone involved in the food industry is aware of the importance of good food hygiene practices and of the need to handle food in a safe, clean environment.
CookSafe helps catering businesses in Scotland understand and implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based systems. By reading this manual and following the instructions, you'll be able to develop HACCP-based procedures that fit your business needs.
Food safety management systems
MyHACCP can guide businesses through the process of developing a food safety management system based on HACCP principles.
This free tool will help FBOs develop a food safety management system that shows how they will identify and control hazards that may occur during the manufacturing process.
Managing outbreaks of foodborne illness
Access our guidance on the management of outbreaks of foodborne illness in Scotland.
This guidance is for everyone involved in investigating and controlling foodborne outbreaks in Scotland. It serves as a reference when creating plans to manage such incidents. Read more about how we manage incidents.
Food information
Accurate food information, including allergen labelling and traceability, is essential for protecting public health. Food business operators (FBOs) must ensure they comply with food law to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about the foods they use.
Guidance for local authority enforcement officers is available for:
Regulated products
The term ‘regulated product’ refers to certain food and feed items that must receive official authorisation before they can be legally sold. These products undergo a risk analysis process to ensure they are safe for consumers and meet legal standards.
Authorised foods
An authorised food is a regulated product that has successfully passed the authorisation process and is listed in an official register. This means it has been deemed safe and compliant with UK regulations and can now be legally marketed.
Managing allergens
Food businesses in Scotland are required by law to provide food that is safe for consumers, which includes effective management of allergens. Failure to do so could not only cause serious harm to the consumer, but could also have reputational, financial and potentially criminal consequences for the business.
We've developed a range of different training tools and resources to assist food businesses with managing allergens and providing safe food.
Training
Our free online food allergy training is designed for local authority authorised officers and those working in the food industry in Scotland.
The training covers:
- legal requirements when selling food containing allergens
- physical reactions when people with allergies are exposed to allergens
- areas where allergens can impact in manufacturing and catering (factory) settings
- food labelling guidelines
- food composition
- providing consumers with allergen information
We have also created an allergen matrix document to help food businesses track and manage allergen information.
Nutrition
Nutritional advice helps consumers make informed food choices in and out of the home.
Imports and exports
All food and feed imported into and exported from Scotland must meet legal requirements.