Opening a Food Business: Guidelines and Checklist
Registration Requirements
If you are opening a food business, you must:
- Register your premises with the environmental health service at your local authority at least 28 days before opening.
- There is usually no cost to register.
Food Management System
A food business must have a food management system based on HACCP principles, including:
- Planning your business operations.
- Organising waste and recycling collection.
- Getting appropriate training and equipment.
Legal Compliance and Checklist
Key considerations and checklist items for starting a food business:
- Registration: Applies to most types of food businesses, including home catering and mobile premises.
- Checklist items:
- Registering your premises.
- Ensuring premises design meets legal requirements.
- Understanding General Food Law Requirements.
- Keeping records of food suppliers.
- Implementing food safety management procedures and keeping up-to-date records.
- Ensuring good food hygiene practices among staff.
- Considering health, safety, and fire safety arrangements.
- Registering as self-employed and for VAT if necessary.
- Keeping records of business income, expenses, and employee pay.
- Accurate description of food and drink.
- Applying for necessary licences (alcohol, entertainment, late-night food sales, street food).
For detailed guidance, visit the Food Standards Agency website.
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