If you run a food business, you must register with us 28 days before you start operating. This applies to any premises used for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food and relates to both new businesses and existing premises which change ownership.
Premises include:
- Restaurants
- Pubs
- Cafes
- Hotels
- Shops
- Canteens
- Care homes
- Nurseries
- Market stalls
- Mobile catering vans
- Food delivery vans.
If you use your home for a food business you must also register although specific requirements apply to child-minders.
If you supply foods of animal origin such as meat, dairy, fish or egg products to other businesses, your premises may need to be approved by us or the Food Standards Agency, rather than registered.