Food business - approval or registration

You need to apply for approval or registration depending on the type of food business you operate

Approval

Approval is required if you make, prepare or handle food that comes from animals (such as meat or dairy products) but do not sell these directly to the consumer, for example, producing sausages that are supplied wholesale to a different business for subsequent retail sale. Manufacturers usually fall within this category.

Getting approval takes time and there is a fee.

Complete the online application GOV.UK - Application for food establishment approval from West Suffolk Council

Registration

Registration is needed for all food businesses that do not require approval. These food businesses include those that store, prepare, distribute or sell food. Registration is required for restaurants, takeaways, mobile catering vans, delivery vans, market stalls and food businesses run from home like cake makers.

Registration is free, but you need to register 28 days before opening. So once you have registered wait a month and you can start trading. Once you have started trading your business will be scheduled for an inspection.

See How to get a Food Hygiene Rating score of 5 and the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Register your vehicles

If your vehicle is a mobile food business the address, the registration address would be where the vehicle is normally kept overnight . You will need to register with the council where the vehicle is normally kept. If you do not know which council that is, visit: GOV.UK - Find your local council.

If you use vehicles in connection with a food premises at a fixed address you do not need to register them. You only need to tell us how many vehicles you have.

To register your vehicle visit: GOV.UK - Register a food business

Food business - approval or registration

Approval

Registration

Register your vehicles

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