Some Harrogate entrepreneurs have made the most of lockdown by selling everything from brownies to burgers made from their home kitchen.

However, new businesses have been warned they face being sent to court and fined if they don’t register with the council.

Food businesses who plan to operate for five or more days in any five consecutive weeks must register with Harrogate Borough Council 28 days before starting trading. A food safety officer will then check whether the kitchen is clean.

Steve Pepper runs food safety courses for people in the Harrogate district. He told the Stray Ferret that home cooks risk an unlimited fine at the magistrates’ court if they fall foul of the law.

He said:

“A lot of people think, I’m a good cook so I will just sell some brownies.

“But some people know they wouldn’t meet the hygiene regulations so they carry on regardless, or they have ignorance of the law.”

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Whilst a food hygiene certificate is not compulsory, businesses need to also inform HMRC that they are self-employed.

Mr Pepper said kitchens must be adapted to meet hygiene standards. This includes making sure plants and pets are in different rooms.

The council also requires two sinks with one used only for washing hands.

Mr Pepper is concerned some people might be looking to cut corners due to falling on hard times due to covid. He has been running workshops to help educate people on what steps need to be taken before launching a new business.

He added:

“It is happening. Covid has cost people their normal jobs and they will do things they wouldn’t normally do”.