Processing & Packaging

The processing and packaging of food and drink is one of the sectors regulated by the GLAA.

If you supply workers to process and package any produce derived from agricultural work, shellfish or fish you will need a GLAA licence.

Some examples are shown below, but this list is not exhaustive - please contact us if you do not see your area of work listed, you may still need a licence.

Animal feed
Baby food
Beer
Biscuits
Bread
Cakes
Carbonated drinks
Cereals
Chocolate
Concentrate drinks
Condiments
Crisps
Cider
Dairy products
Dips
Eggs
Fish and fish products
Flowers
Fresh produce
Fruit juice
Meat and meat products
Pepper
Pet food
Pizza
Potpourri
Ready meals
Salad
Sandwiches
Sauces
Soup
Soft drinks
Sugar
Spirits
Wine

Still not sure whether you need a licence?

We recommend your enquiry is sent by e-mail so you have a record of our response. Please provide full details of the type of work, where it will be done and if possible a job description of the role.

Offences and penalties

It is a criminal offence to operate as a gangmaster without a licence. The maximum penalty is ten years in prison and a fine. For more information read our pages on the Criminal offences and sanctions and the penalties in How we inspect and prosecute.

Find out more...

I supply workers: The application and renewal process
The licensing standards: The conditions that must be met to qualify for a licence
Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004: Legislation
Exclusions: The circumstances where a licence is not required