All businesses that prepare, distribute or store food must be registered. This includes things like restaurants, canteens, shops, takeaways, village halls, clubs, market stalls, manufacturers and mobile food vans.
When you start a new food business or take over an existing business, take over an existing business or move your existing business to a new location, you must register with your local authority. You should do this at least 28 days before trading or before food operations start.” Registration is free.
When you have sent us your application we will send you a letter or email to let you know we have received it. You do not need to do anything else unless we contact you for more information. Your business will then be registered on the food premises register.
Most food business premises need to be registered, but some don't. We will let you know if you do not need to register when you send us your application.
Registered premises will be initially inspected to make sure they comply with the requirements of food law, they will then be inspected regularly. The frequency of these visits will depend on the nature of the business. We will let you know how often this will be following your initial inspection.
You can start trading as soon as you have registered and when you feel your business meets all of the food law requirements - you don't need to wait for your first inspection.
For most businesses the results of your inspections will also be added to the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
You must let us know if there are any changes to your business, where you are already the registered Food Business Operator. For example, if the business becomes a limited company, to add an additional trading name, to advice of a new process or that your business has closed. You can do this online, or contact us for more information.
Make a change to your business
Some food businesses that manufacture food containing meat or meat products, dairy products, eggs, fish or shellfish and supply other businesses may need to be approved as a food premises.