Corsley Reading Room
 

Food Preparation

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If preparing or cooking food you may have to register with the local authority. In general this does not apply to ad-hoc events.

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" EU food hygiene law requires the registration of those operations or activities where food is supplied -
whether given away free or sold for some form of monetary or other return – which are deemed to be:
“..undertakings, the concept of which implies a certain continuity of activities and a certain degree
of organisation”.

A community hall kitchen will not need to be registered as a food business on its own, even if it used by several volunteer groups. Registration only applies to (e.g.) a group using the community hall kitchen if their food activities meet the description of an undertaking*.

Of course, groups using halls should ensure the kitchen areas are kept clean. The hall management should ensure it is structurally sound and meets any other relevant legislation.

*e.g. lunch clubs, community cafes, nursery groups providing meals, etc."

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To help decide if you may need to register the FSA documentation giving examples of events that do and do not have to register.

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It is the hirer and event organiser who are responsible for registering their activity, not the village hall.

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The full document can be accessed here.

 

​Any questions should be referred to Public Protection North : publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.go.uk

 

Last reviewed: Feb 2026