Starting a food business

When starting a new food business it is important that you register your premises, consider all food hygiene legislation and to abide by current food law requirements. Setting up in the right way creates the basis for a successful future for your business. 

Before starting your food business

Before opening, get in touch with us. We can help you, register your food business, to plan your business, organise waste and recycling collection , and get appropriate training and tools.

How do I register my food premises?

Your first step should be to register your premises. Registration is free and you must register at least 28 days before opening your business. If you are a mobile catering/retail vehicle you will require street trading consent.

Food hygiene training

You need to make sure that your employees are supervised, instructed and trained in food hygiene matters in order to produce safe food for consumers. Please visit our food hygiene training section for details.

Producing a Food Safety Management System  

Before operating as a food business, and prior to your inspection, you will need to produce a documented food safety management system, which explains the procedures that you undertake within your business to ensure that you produce food is safe to eat. The Food Standards Agency has produced a food safety management system pack called 'Safer Food Better Business (SFBB)' for smaller businesses to use.

For businesses that have more complex processes the packs below may be more appropriate

Safe Catering

Cooksafe

For small manufacturers the MyHaccp toolkit may be more appropriate.

Further information about starting a food business is available on the Food Standards Agency website.