Cater for Later food boxes

Food safety for businesses

Restaurants and cafés in Northern Ireland are legally allowed to provide leftovers to customers. However, food must not be given out if: 

• It has already been reheated 
• It will pass its use-by date within 24 hours 

If a customer requests a Cater for Later box, you must advise them on safe storage and reheating. Once the food leaves your premises, the customer is responsible for handling it safely. 

Reducing food waste in Belfast

What are leftovers? 

Leftovers are the uneaten portions of food left on customers’ plates. In Belfast, they make up around one-third of all food waste from cafés, restaurants, and other food businesses. 

To tackle this, we’ve launched the Cater for Later scheme—encouraging diners to take their leftovers home in compostable food boxes. 

Take your food home

Through the Cater for Later scheme, participating restaurants and cafés offer compostable takeaway boxes so you can enjoy your leftovers later. 

By doing this, you: 

• Help reduce food waste and protect the environment 
• Get more value from your meal 

Benefits for food businesses

Joining the Cater for Later scheme can help your business: 

• Enhance customer service by making it easier for diners to request leftovers 
• Increase sales by encouraging customers to order more courses 
• Reduce food waste and support sustainability goals 

Food safety information for customers

When taking leftovers home in a Cater for Later box, follow these safety tips: 

• Refrigerate within 2 hours (fridge temperature should be below 5°C) 
• Reheat until piping hot throughout and eat immediately 
• Consume within 24 hours 
• Do not reheat more than once - dispose of any remaining food in your food waste bin 
• If eating cold, serve directly from the fridge 

Join the Cater for Later scheme

If you want your business to take part in the scheme, register for Cater for Later (link opens in new window)

Compost your Cater for Later box

Cater for Later boxes are made from food-grade cardboard and are fully compostable. After use, place the box in your food and garden waste bin. 

Get free business support

Our Safety and Environment Advice Service offers free, impartial guidance to help your business meet health and safety regulations. We can assist with: 

• Risk assessments 
• Workplace health planning 

Contact us at advicecentre@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 028 9032 8260.