General information on food hygiene legislation
New food hygiene laws were introduced in the UK in January 2006. There are a number of European Regulations that apply directly to food businesses in the UK, as well as national legislation in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The key European Regulations are:
- Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs
- Regulation (EC) 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin
- Regulation (EC) 854/2004 laying down specific rules for the organisation of official controls on products of animal origin intended for human consumption
The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 provide the framework for the EU legislation to be enforced in England. There are similar regulations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 can be accessed on the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website.
See the Background to the 2006 food hygiene legislation section of this website for more on the new legislation, as well as copies of the European Regulations.
Find out more
Food hygiene legislation - what you need to know
New food hygiene laws have applied in the UK since 1 January 2006. They affect all food businesses, including caterers, primary producers (such as farmers), manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
Information for caterers
Your questions answered on how the new food hygiene legislation will affect you.
Information for local authorities
Your questions answered on how the new food hygiene legislation will affect you.
Information for primary producers
Your questions answered on how hygiene legislation affects you.
Information for retailers
Your questions answered on how the new food hygiene legislation will affect you.
Information for the meat sector
Your questions answered on the food hygiene legislation.