Ghost Kitchen and Dark Kitchen Rules – What Operators Need to Know

March 21st, 2025

Last updated: March 21st, 2025

The rise of ghost kitchens, also known as dark kitchens or cloud kitchens, has reshaped the food delivery landscape. These delivery-only operations have become a common fixture across the UK, quietly operating behind the scenes of bustling food apps, offering convenience to customers without the need for a traditional dine-in restaurant. But while the setup may be lower-profile, the responsibilities behind the scenes are anything but casual.

Ghost kitchens are professional food preparation spaces set up solely for delivery orders. There’s no dining area and often no signage. These kitchens can be run by a single brand or host multiple delivery brands under one roof. Some are housed in industrial units, shipping containers, or even converted trailers. Others operate as offshoots of existing restaurants, handling the delivery load separately. However, just because the format is unconventional doesn’t mean the rules are any lighter.

Legal Framework and Safety Compliance for Ghost Kitchen Operators

Running a ghost kitchen still means complying with the same standards and regulations as any other food business in the UK. That includes registering the business with the local authority. This must be done at least 28 days before starting operations. Environmental health officers will conduct inspections just as they would for a high street restaurant.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) still applies here. Food hygiene ratings are public, and kitchens must follow all food safety protocols under the Food Safety Act 1990 and associated hygiene regulations. Cleanliness, temperature control, allergen awareness, and cross-contamination precautions are just as important in a ghost kitchen as in a traditional setup.

Fire Safety and Premises Risk

One area that can get overlooked in non-traditional spaces is fire safety. Ghost kitchens often operate in compact or repurposed buildings, which brings added fire risks if not properly managed. Business owners have a legal duty under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to carry out a fire risk assessment. This involves identifying hazards, planning evacuation procedures, and ensuring that staff are trained and equipment is maintained.

For example, commercial kitchens must have suitable extraction systems, fire blankets, and regularly serviced fire extinguishers. Fire alarms and emergency lighting are essential, even if the space is out of sight to the public. The use of deep fryers and grills in confined areas can elevate fire risks if not properly monitored and maintained.

Employer Responsibilities and Staff Safety

Even in a delivery-only kitchen, employers have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Staff must be kept safe, with proper training provided on kitchen equipment, manual handling, PPE use, and safe working practices. Risk assessments should be carried out regularly to identify potential hazards, from slippery floors to sharp implements or hot surfaces.

Waste Management and Environmental Factors

Waste handling is another key area of responsibility. Food waste and grease traps all need proper disposal methods in line with environmental health rules. Waste collection schedules must be reliable, and storage areas should be secure and hygienic.

Noise levels as well as smells and emissions from ghost kitchens can also attract complaints from neighbouring properties, particularly in mixed-use or residential areas. Operators need to be mindful of their environmental footprint and may be subject to local authority restrictions or planning conditions to manage this.

Final Thoughts

Ghost kitchens may be off the radar for most diners, but they’re well within the radar of health and safety laws. From fire safety and food hygiene to employer duties and risk assessments, operators must uphold the same standards as any bricks-and-mortar restaurant.

For fast, reliable and professional support with things like fire suppression and ventilation, contact Robinsons Facilities Services today. We’re proud to be one of Yorkshire’s leading fire safety and security maintenance providers and operate throughout the entire UK.

Call 01423 226578 or send us an enquiry to see how Robinsons Facilities Services can help.