Insurance Requirements for Selling Food from Home
To sell food in the UK, you need to register your food business through the government website for free. This needs to be done 28 days before selling. Food hygiene certification isn’t compulsory but recommended. Documents required to start a food business at home include ID and address proof.
- General liability insurance to cover third-party bodily injury and property damage claims.
- Product liability insurance to cover if someone gets sick or injured from your food.
- Workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical and lost wage expenses for injured employees.
- Public liability insurance to protect against compensation claims from customers, suppliers, or passersby.
- Employers liability insurance helps if your business grows.
Importance of Insurance for Home-Based Food Businesses
Specialty insurance can be hard to get, but alternatives exist today that home vendors should know. Protection is important as selling perishable goods brings risks. If someone gets sick from your baked goods, they could sue you for damages. That’s why home bakeries need liability and professional liability insurance.
Starting a Food Business from Home
Passion for cooking and a flair for business means you could start a food business from home today. Consider your strengths, goals, target market, and competition to decide the best option. Catering from home or selling baked goods online are some pathways to take.