Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the european parliament and of the councilShow full title

CHAPTER I U.K. General requirements for food premises (other than those specified in chapter iii)

1.

Food premises are to be kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition.

2.

The layout, design, construction, siting and size of food premises are to:

(a)

permit adequate maintenance, cleaning and/or disinfection, avoid or minimise air-borne contamination, and provide adequate working space to allow for the hygienic performance of all operations;

(b)

be such as to protect against the accumulation of dirt, contact with toxic materials, the shedding of particles into food and the formation of condensation or undesirable mould on surfaces;

(c)

permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination and, in particular, pest control;

and

(d)

where necessary, provide suitable temperature-controlled handling and storage conditions of sufficient capacity for maintaining foodstuffs at appropriate temperatures and designed to allow those temperatures to be monitored and, where necessary, recorded.

3.

An adequate number of flush lavatories are to be available and connected to an effective drainage system. Lavatories are not to open directly into rooms in which food is handled.

4.

An adequate number of washbasins is to be available, suitably located and designated for cleaning hands. Washbasins for cleaning hands are to be provided with hot and cold running water, materials for cleaning hands and for hygienic drying. Where necessary, the facilities for washing food are to be separate from the hand-washing facility.

5.

There is to be suitable and sufficient means of natural or mechanical ventilation. Mechanical airflow from a contaminated area to a clean area is to be avoided. Ventilation systems are to be so constructed as to enable filters and other parts requiring cleaning or replacement to be readily accessible.

6.

Sanitary conveniences are to have adequate natural or mechanical ventilation.

7.

Food premises are to have adequate natural and/or artificial lighting.

8.

Drainage facilities are to be adequate for the purpose intended. They are to be designed and constructed to avoid the risk of contamination. Where drainage channels are fully or partially open, they are to be so designed as to ensure that waste does not flow from a contaminated area towards or into a clean area, in particular an area where foods likely to present a high risk to the final consumer are handled.

9.

Where necessary, adequate changing facilities for personnel are to be provided.

10.

Cleaning agents and disinfectants are not to be stored in areas where food is handled.