Food business registration

NSDC
Environment
Food safety and hygiene
Food business registration

You must register your premises with the environmental health service at your local authority at least 28 days before opening – registration is free.

When you start a new food business or take over an existing business, you must register with your local authority.

It’s free to register, and your registration cannot be refused.

You should register at least 28 days before opening. If you’re already trading and have not registered, you need to do this as soon as possible.

Registration must be made using the Online Form

Who needs to register

A food business is anyone preparing, cooking, storing, handling, distributing, supplying or selling food.
Registration applies to food business like:

Restaurants, cafes and take-aways
Catering businesses run from home, mobile catering and temporary businesses
Food stalls, food pop ups and food vans
Distance selling, mail order and food delivery
Companies involved with food distribution or supply that operate from an office should register - even if no food is kept at the premises

If you operate more than one premises, you need to register each premises with the local authority where it’s located.

You may be fined, imprisoned for up to 2 years or both if you run a food business without registering.

If you’re a childminder or run a nursery

If you’re a childminder or run a nursery and provide food for the children you look after, the details you provide to Ofsted will be used to register you as a food business. Your details will be available to your local authority and you will not have to register separately.

Food hygiene rating scheme

Once registered, your business will be inspected by your local authority inspectors.

Preparing thoroughly for inspection means your business has the best chance of getting a top rating (5) in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. When you enter your registration details you will be given links to tailored advice depending on the type of business you are running.

Approval

Some premises may need to be approved by your local council instead of simply being registered. If you make, prepare or handle food that comes from animals for supply to other businesses check the requirements in the Food Premises Approval (England) section.