Food business requirements

If you are in the process of setting up a food business our officers are available to provide advice on food safety requirements and the health and safety steps you should be following.

The food safety team can supply an information pack and booklets, which will help if you are currently operating a food business or intend to start one. Essential information is provided to help you understand what the law requires regarding food hygiene and health and safety in businesses. 

A food premises registration form must be completed and returned to Regulatory Services, Perceval House, 4th Floor, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2HL, at least 28 days before starting or taking over the business.

Legal requirements concerning the preparation and sale of food
It is the responsibility of the owners and managers of a food business to ensure that their business complies with food safety regulations. It is important that all risks to people arising from the operations undertaken by your business are assessed and properly controlled. This is for both food safety and occupational health purposes.

Meat, dairy, poultry, fish and egg products
Food business must obtain an official approval certificate from the council's food safety team before operating.  This will apply if they produce, process or export foods containing meat, poultry, dairy and egg products and are not to be sold in a retail shop.

An approval application form must be completed and returned to Regulatory Services, Perceval House, 4th Floor, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2HL, and approval granted prior to manufacture. 

Late closing and street trading
Businesses that operate late may need a late night cafe licence. Additionally, businesses that trade from vehicles, trailers, or stalls may need a street trading licence.

Planning
All businesses must comply with planning law. The planning section provides more information.

Hazard analysis
Hazard analysis is a way to identify and control potential food hazards in your business. You must satisfy your environmental health officer that you have considered all the food safety risks and have put procedures in place to control or eliminate those risks.

Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB)
You are required to have a food safety management system (previously referred to as hazard analysis) in place. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) provides a Safer Food Better Business pack (SFBB) to help your business comply with the legislation.

Find out more about SFBB and order a free pack on the FSA website.

Contact the food safety team for information on SFBB training opportunities.