Glossary
What is SFBB (Safer Food, Better Business)?
SFBB stands for Safer Food, Better Business — the Food Standards Agency’s pack-based approach that helps smaller catering businesses put food safety management in place without writing a full HACCP plan from scratch.
Many independents still run SFBB as paper packs and daily diary sheets. That works only if sheets are completed honestly and kept for due diligence. Digital systems can record the same routines with timestamps and branch context — without claiming official approval.
What SFBB is designed to do
SFBB packs break food safety into practical safe methods (cleaning, cooking, chilling, management) plus a daily diary to confirm controls were followed. The aim is workable food safety management for small caterers, not enterprise software complexity.
Local authorities and EHOs often expect to see that you have a system, that staff follow it, and that you can show records when something goes wrong. SFBB is one common route to that expectation in England — Scotland and other nations use related but distinct packs (for example CookSafe / Safe Catering). Always follow the guidance that applies to your nation and premises.
Where paper SFBB struggles in real kitchens
Diary pages get filled in later, lost, or completed by one person “for the week.” Opening and closing checks compete with service. Multi-site groups end up with different habits at each branch.
Digital daily checks do not replace your responsibility for safe methods. They make it easier to assign, complete and review the diary-style work SFBB expects — with a clearer trail of who did what and when.
How Complytio relates
Complytio supports SFBB-aligned daily checks, temperature logs, documents and evidence export for UK hospitality teams. It is inspection-ready software for due diligence records — not an “SFBB certificate” and not EHO approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is SFBB mandatory?
Food safety management is required; SFBB is a common way for small caterers in England to document it. Requirements and recommended packs vary by nation and business type — check current FSA / local authority guidance.
Can software replace my SFBB pack?
Software can help you run and store checks and documents. You still need appropriate safe methods, trained staff and legal compliance. No app is “EHO-approved.”
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