Welcome Packs (The Provision of Food)

Introduction

Leaving some local goodies, homemade cakes or bread and perhaps some eggs etc. for guests to enjoy during their stay is a lovely welcoming touch. However, could it mean that you need to register as a food business?

The general requirement to register a food business is currently governed by the retained EU regulation which states:

• ‘every food business operator shall notify the appropriate competent authority, in the manner that the latter requires, of each establishment under its control that carries out any of the stages of production, processing and distribution of food, with a view to the registration of each such ’

Simply put, this means that the food business operator must register with the local authority – so this is your first point of contact – the local Environmental Health team. You will find their contact details online; there is usually an online enquiry form or you can phone them directly.

The legal definition of a food business is ‘any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public or private, carrying out any of the activities related to any stage of production, processing and distribution of food’. If you are unsure whether you should register, there is also tool on the Food Standards Agency website here Guide to registering your business | Food Standards Scotland

The main concern relates to foods made by another (not prepacked), for example a freshly baked loaf or some home baked shortbread. This might have implications for allergens and labelling, and where the food has been produced.

The provision of any kind of food in a welcome pack could mean registration is required if the law is taken literally. So it really is best to check with your local Environmental Health team.

It is difficult to give a definitive answer on which businesses need to be registered and it is ultimately (currently) up to the local authority to decide. However, if you do establish that registration is required, you need to do this within 28 days of starting to trade. The good news is that there is no charge for registration.

In General Terms

• If a self-caterer is only providing a small welcome pack of pre-packed goods tea / coffee / biscuits, then there would be no need to register with the local authority as a food business.
• If you are providing home baking then you should register as a food You should also consider allergen labelling and food safety management. You can find out more here Online Allergy Training | Food Standards Scotland and ​CookSafe Manual | Food Standards Scotland
• A B&B should be registered as a food business

It is always worth checking with the Environmental Health Team at your Local Authority for a definitive answer in terms of your own business. You will find them happy to help you.

Author of guidance: Sandra Reid, Fare Consulting Limited and Scotland Food and Drink

Date of guidance: November 2025

Disclaimer – Guidance Sheets are written by experienced Members of the ASSC and other experts. The information in the ‘Guidance Sheet’ is provided by the ASSC for use by Members in support of their own independent business decisions. It does not constitute advice or instruction for which the ASSC can be held liable in any way whatsoever. All Members and other readers remain responsible for the consequences of any decisions taken whether in the light of information gained from this Guidance Sheet or not.