Warning over homemade meals sold on online platforms

It might seem a cheap and convenient option, but consumers are being urged to think twice about buying homemade meals advertised on online platforms.

Consumers can’t be sure that food made in unregulated home kitchens has followed strict hygiene and safety rules.

Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree list dozens of advertisements selling homemade meals offering everything from curries to lasagna.

Some sellers post that their kitchen is licensed but many don’t.

There are strict rules governing home-based food businesses and local councils administer and enforce licenced food operators.

“It’s probably quite difficult to research that with an online seller if it’s a person operating from an unlicensed or unregulated premises like a backyard or a home.

People wanting to sell homemade food should register with their local council and complete their nationally recognised CFT Food Safety Training