Food business registration

All premises that serve or sell food or drink must register regardless of whether or not the premises operate commercially, as required by Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004. Failure to register is an offence.

Registering a food business

Registration applies to most types of food business, including catering businesses run from home and mobile or temporary premises, such as market stalls and vans. You need to register with us 28 days before you start your food business. Registration is free of charge.

Changes to your food business

Once you have registered, let us know if either of the following changes:

the nature of the business or
the proprietor

Starting up a new food business

If you're thinking of starting a new food business read the Food Safety Regulations and the Food Standards Agency's page about starting a food business.

Food business approval

If your business involves handling meat, fish, egg or dairy products, you must be inspected and may require approval. Gov UK have more information on when you need approval. To apply for approval complete the form and return it to us.

PDF Icon Application for Food Business Approval - pdf - 171 Kb

Operating a food business safely

For advice on producing food safely, read the Food Standards Agency's food safety advice.