Starting a food business
It is your legal responsibility to make sure you produce food safely when starting your food business. Find advice on how to do this at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website.
You also need to meet legal standards for food businesses.
If you are starting a new food business or taking over an existing one you must let us know. For most businesses you will just need to register with us but for some you will need to get approval before you can operate.
It is free and you need to do this at least 28 days before you start operating.
Register a food business
A food business is anyone preparing, cooking, storing, handling, distributing, supplying or selling food.
Register a food businessWhen to get approval
If you make, prepare or handle food which comes from animals to supply to other businesses you may need approval.
Approval is free of charge and you do not need to register as well.
Application for Food Business Approval - pdf - 268 Kb
What happens next
A food safety officer will visit your premises to carry out a food hygiene inspection. If you supply food directly to the consumer then you will then be given an inspection report and a score for the food hygiene rating scheme.
Making changes
Let us know by emailing [email protected] if anything changes such as:
- the type of business you are running
- the owner
Operating a food business safely
For advice on producing food safely, read the Food Standards Agency's Safer Food, Better Business guidance.
Safer food, better business packs
We can supply printed copies of the Safer Food Better Business Pack and diary sheets on request. Costs:
- SFBB Pack - £15.00 (excludes postage and packing)
- Diary sheets - £4.00
Please contact our customer services team to order or for further information.
Fats, oils and grease
You will need to make sure that any grease, oils and fat are disposed of properly. Keeping fats, oils and grease out of drains is always the most effective solution to keep your pipes clear of blockages. Discharging these substances is illegal and you could face fines or prosecution under Section 111 of The Water Industry Act 1991 if you damage sewers. Thames Water have produced some best practice advice to keep your drains and pipes free of blockages.
Food allergies and intolerances
The Food Standards Agency has guidance for businesses on food allergies and intolerances. Including training and signs you can download to put up in your business.