In brief
- EU Hygiene Regulation 852/2004 requires people in food areas to wear suitable, clean and, where necessary, protective clothing.
- HACCP does not prescribe a fixed colour or model – the business’s hygiene plan decides.
- Light colours, washable fabrics, press studs instead of buttons and no outer pockets above the waist have proven themselves.
- Work and street clothing should be stored separately.
In kitchens, butchers, bakeries and food production, the right workwear is part of food safety. But what does HACCP actually require – and what is just a recommendation? Here are the basics and practical tips for businesses in South Tyrol.
What the EU hygiene regulation requires
The basis is Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on food hygiene. It requires people working in food areas to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and to wear suitable, clean and, where necessary, protective clothing.
The regulation does not prescribe specific models, colours or fabrics. What applies in your business is set by your hygiene plan (HACCP plan) – based on products, workflows and risks.
What works in practice
- Light colours – dirt is visible at once
- Washable fabrics – designed for frequent washing at high temperatures
- Press studs instead of buttons – nothing can come off and end up in food
- No outer pockets above the waist – so nothing falls out
- Head covering – cap, hat or hairnet depending on the area
- Slip-resistant shoes – for wet and greasy floors
Practical tip
Store work and street clothing separately and plan enough garments per person to change daily.
Clothing by area
- Kitchen & hospitalitychef jackets, chef trousers, aprons and head covering
- Butchery & meat processinglight-coloured coats, aprons, often cut and cold protection
- Bakery & patisserieairy, light-coloured clothing for warm bakehouses
- Food productionhygiene coats, trousers and caps, often colour-coded by area
You can find suitable models, for example, in the BP Industrial Food catalogue and at Kentaur.
Logo on hygiene clothing
A logo is also possible on hygiene clothing: embroidery and print are bonded to the fabric and withstand frequent washing. Avoid loose badges or name tags with pins – they can come off. Names can be embroidered directly instead.
