Attempt to delay food business licensing scheme

Thursday, 26 February 2026 08:16

Introduction of a licensing system for businesses in Jersey that sell food could be delayed.

Scrutiny politicians want a pause, amid confusion about who the rules apply to, and the cost.

The Food Regulations aim to better protect people with allergies and bring the island in line with the UK and EU. It will include compulsory allergen labelling

Read: Draft Food Law lodged to protect people with allergies

The Environment Minister unveiled the proposals in December 2025.

The Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel has reviewed them, and is planning to challenge aspects of the law in the States.

It wants to remove the proposed 1 October start for the replacement registration and inspection scheme.

It also wants to remove the planned business-pays model - worried it will cripple small and medium-sized food businesses.

No figure has been given for what the fee would be, but Scrutiny says the cost should be met by government as a public health matter

Panel Chair Deputy Hilary Jeune said: "... there is a significant amount of confusion as to who will come under the scope of this licensing system, and even what exactly constitutes ‘food processing’.

"It’s therefore essential that we hold back on a commencement date until these matters are resolved.

She says evidence heard during the panel's review suggested the fees could have an unforeseen impact on the community:

"Losing small/micro businesses which support our local supply chains, increase the variety of goods, and increase opportunities for employment, is not in the public interest.

"We therefore think that removing the fees system, which has yet to be fully thought through, will ensure that Jersey can still benefit from the unique variety of businesses we currently enjoy."