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.