How to register a food business

All local food businesses must register their premises 28 days before starting food operations. This is free and allows for food safety interventions to take place.

Apply for registration

You can apply to register or change a registration online on the Business Link website:

• Apply to register a food business (opens in a new window)
• Apply to change a food business registration (opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can download an application form below. There is no fee for registering a food business.

Does tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from us by the end of the target completion period - 28 days.

Businesses handling food of animal origin

If you operate food premises that handles food of animal origin that is supplied on to another business, you may need to be approved by your local authority. If you only sell direct to the final consumer then you do not need to be approved.

• Apply for food business approval (opens in a new window)
• Change a food business approval (opens in a new window)

Failed application redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Licence holder redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Consumer Direct will give you advice (see link below). From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre (see link below).

Other redress

Find out more about food safety.

Food safety inspections

All food premises registered with us are regulated in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice issued by the Food Standards Agency. Premises are rated according to this code and then given a category to determine the frequency of interventions. Proprietors of food businesses can ask for their premises' score following a food safety intervention.

You can find out if a restaurant, takeaway or food shop has good food hygiene standards with the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.