Registering a food business

Anyone starting a new food business and anyone storing, preparing, distributing or selling food is required by law to register at least 28 days before opening.

It is an offence not to register a food business.

To register as a food business please complete the following e form:

Food premises registration is free of charge and cannot be refused therefore you can continue with your business as soon as you have submitted your registration form. However, we would recommend that you contact us at the earliest opportunity so we can advise you how to meet the required standards.

Gaining approval for a food business

If you make, prepare or handle food that comes from animals, for example meat or dairy products, other than for direct sale to the consumer, your premises may need to be approved by the council before you can undertake the activity

The premises are approved under:

The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013

Regulation EC No 853/2004

If you wish to apply for approval under these regulations please contact us and we will provide advice to guide you through the application process. (The application process for gaining approval is free of charge).

If you are approved you don’t need to register as well.