sandwiches
What is the best way for a community shop to make and sell sandwiches without incurring complicated labelling requirements. I gather the easiest way is to make the sandwiches in the shop rather than in a home in the village but would like to receive feedback from other shops.
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We make sandwiches in our shop and use a simple labelling machine that provides info on ingredients, use by, and price. No problems so far and mark ups are over 100% with good sales and little waste. Mostly have a 2 day shelf life.
Bryan Casbourne
Mortimer Country Stores
The sandwiches need to meet food labelling requirements irrespective of where they are made. The premises need to meet appropriate Environmental Health regs and you need to get your local EHO to inspect the premises before you start - they will usually be very helpful and tell you what you will need to comply. A lot of shops find the cost and hassle of compliance is not worthwhile - hence they sacrifice margin and buy sandwiches in, although sale or return can help offset the margin loss.
I agree with Ken re the regulations but they are not onerous. As a guide we make sandwiches in the shop for about 80p per sandwich inclusive of all materials, packaging and labelling and they sell at between £2 and £2.30 depending on filling. We usually make them twice per week and in most cases they all sell with little waste.
Bryan Casbourne