Registering a food premises

What to do if you're starting a food business

It is a legal requirement for all food businesses to be registered.

Who needs to register?

You must register as a food business if you are:
Selling, cooking, storing, handling, preparing or distributing food in a food premises.

A food premises would include restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, canteens, market stalls, mobile catering vans, food delivery vans and businesses run from home.

In most instances you will need to ensure that you have a fully documented Food Safety Management System in operation.

New food businesses

If you're considering starting a new food business, you must register at least 28 days before trading commences.

There are no fees for registering a food business.

Some businesses may be subject to approval, these include food manufacturers handling and producing items such as dairy, fish, eggs and meat products.

Will 'tacit consent' apply?

If you do not hear from us within 28 days, you have the legal right to assume that your notification is successful.

However, if you have not heard from us within 14 days of submitting your application, we request that you contact our City and neighbourhood team.

If you would like further information you might find the links below useful:

Safer food, better business for retailers - This food safety management pack has been developed to help retail businesses across the UK comply with food hygiene regulations.

Safer food, better business for caterers (opens new window) - This food safety management pack has been developed to help small catering businesses such as restaurants, cafes and takeaways comply with food hygiene regulations

Food Standards Agency - The Food Standards Agency is an independent government department responsible for food safety and hygiene across the UK. It works with businesses to help them produce safe food, and with local authorities to enforce food safety regulations