All food businesses must register with their local authority 28 days prior to opening.

Once a registration form has been received, we will inspect the premises in the first 60 days of opening

Remember, as an employer or self employed person, you must also comply with health and safety law. If you employ anyone you must also register your business as a place of work.

Post your completed form to the Food & Safety Unit.

Starting up a food business

Anyone can open a food business, but you are advised to have some catering experience and/or qualifications. People handling food must have received adequate training.

When looking for premises ensure you consider the food safety legislation and that the layout and design of the premises meet current regulations on:

• adequate workspace
• facilities for cleaning, food equipment and hands
• storage space including refrigeration
• waste disposal arrangements
• staff facilities
• ventilation
• drainage.

Food safety management system

You, as a food business operator, are required to think logically about what might go wrong with the food that you sell and what you must do to ensure it is safe for your customers. You must put in place a system based on food safety practices that you will already be familiar with.

The system must be based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) helps to prevent problems rather than reacting to them after they have happened.

Why put in place a food safety management system based on HACCP?

• It is legal requirement for all food businesses
• If your business is taken to court you may be able to demonstrate that you had exercised diligence through arrangements in place to prevent an offence being committed
• It helps ensure food is safe for customers to eat

Safer Food, Better Business

This is a national food safety management system produced by the Food Standards Agency. It is a straightforward way to help you put in place a food safety management system based on HACCP, as required by the law. There is no cost for this, it's free.

For further information on starting up a business, please see the Food Standards Agency or contact us via the online complaint/enquiry form to request a new business pack.