Food business requirements

You must register a food business establishment at least 28 days before starting or taking over the business.

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. 

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.

Sale of alcohol, late closing and street trading 

Businesses that sell alcohol and/or operate late in the evenings may need a premises 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 download a free pack on the FSA website.