Examples of a food business include:
- restaurants
- mobile traders
- food banks
- cafes
- workplace canteens
- schools
- food businesses run from home
- clubs
- charity or volunteer groups that provide food
How to register
Before you start trading you should:
- check you meet food safety legislation requirements
- check your premises and equipment are clean and in good repair and condition
- make sure you have the necessary facilities to produce food hygienically
- have a food safety management system in place that shows how you make sure that the food you provide to customers is safe
Read the guidance about starting a food business on the Food Standards Agency website.
Register at least 28 days before you start trading but do not register too early - wait until you are close to opening.
Register your food business online
After you register
We may ask you to complete a food business self-assessment form. This is to help us get more information about your business before we carry out any inspections. We aim to inspect your food business within 56 days from when you start trading.
Changes to your business
Tell us about any changes to your food business as soon as they are made. This includes:
- if you have taken over an existing business
- if you change the name of your food business
- the nature of your business changes significantly
You cannot transfer registration to someone else. If your food business changes ownership, the new owner must register again.
Food businesses that need approval
Some food businesses need approval instead of registration before they can start trading. These are usually businesses that that manufacture food of animal origin such as meat, dairy, egg or fish products and sell them on to the non-final consumer.
Your premises must meet extra requirements above those used for general food premises, as they usually involve more high-risk operations.
It is against the law to start trading without a conditional or full approval for your food business if you need it. Businesses which do this may be prosecuted.
Get help and advice
Contact us if you need more information or advice on registering a food business or food business approvals.