Check if you need to register
Under Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 Article 6(2), businesses that store, cook, handle, prepare, distribute or sell food must register with us. This includes businesses trading:
- from customer-facing premises for example a restaurant or shop
- from home
- from a mobile unit, such as a catering van or food delivery vehicle – if they’re normally kept in our area
- from a temporary premises, for example a market stall
- online, such as through social media or a website
- through distance selling, for example taking orders via phone
Companies that operate from an office and are involved with food distribution, brokerage or food supply should also register, even if no food is kept at the premises.
You do not need to register if food is being handled at a one-off event or if food is prepared only occasionally, for example for coffee mornings or charity functions.
If you provide food with your childminding business, the details you provide to Ofsted will be made available to us and used to register you as a food business. You do not have to register separately.
Register online
You must register your food business on GOV.UK at least 28 days before trading. Registration cannot be refused and there's no charge.
If you’re taking over an existing business you’ll need to register on GOV.UK.
How we’ll use your information
Registration enables us to keep an up-to-date list of all premises operating in our area. All premises are subject to an inspection by one of our Environmental Health Officers. Once we've got your registration we'll contact you to give advice before your inspection.
Find out more about food hygiene inspections
Check the food hygiene requirements for your business on the Food Standards Agency website
Some of the information you provide is placed on a public register which is, by law, available for public viewing. The register contains business names, addresses and the nature and type of the business. No personal details, other than the food business operator’s name, are placed on the public register. Any other information will not be publicly available unless it’s covered by The Freedom of Information Act.
Copies of the registration details may be forwarded to other competent authorities, such as the local Trading Standards department.
Report changes to your business
Once registered, you must make sure we always have up-to-date information on your food business. You must tell us about any significant change of activity or closure using the contact details at the bottom of this page, including if a vehicle is going to be kept at a different address.
If the operator of the food business changes the new food business operator must complete a new food business registration form on GOV.UK.
Premises licences
You’ll also need a premises licence if you plan to:
- sell or supply alcohol
- provide hot food or drink after 11pm
- provide public entertainment at your premises