Food business registration

Application assessment process

Before you register your business, it is important that you are aware of the following information.

Once your application is received, a food safety officer will visit your business. In some cases we will call to make an appointment however, in most cases we will turn up unannounced. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure the premises meets the standards required by the Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs.

New food businesses will be able to select the following options via the online registration process below:

• Fast track registration – these applications are guaranteed to be processed within 14 days. Your business will be added to the food register held by us and you will then be subject to an inspection. Fast Track registrations cost £63.68
• Fast track registration and fast track inspection – this allows your business to have a food business registration and food business inspection (including hygiene rating), guaranteed to be within 14 working days at a cost of £127.34
• Pre-inspection advisory visit - pre-inspection visits do not include the issue of a food hygiene rating score and cost £160.45
• Standard response - these applications will be processed within 28 days and they are free of charge.

You will need to have your debit or credit card available if you wish to use one of these paid for options.

Apply online

You can register your business by completing the online food business registration form below. Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge unless you use one of the paid for options outlined above.

It is an offence to give information that you know is false.

Application to register a food business

Changes to your business

Once you have registered with us, you only need to notify us where there is a change of owner or where the business changes. For example, from a retail shop to a butchers shop, or where there is a change to the address where movable or mobile premises are kept. In these instances, the new owner will need to complete an application form.

Failed application redress

The registration of your food business will not be refused, but officers can legally require you to carry out improvements if you do not meet the standards required by law.