Food business approval

Food premises that need approval must meet extra requirements above the general requirements for food premises as they usually involve more high risk operations.

If any part of your business requires approval you will not be able to operate this part of your process until you have received confirmation of your approval or conditional approval.

If there is an element of retail sale involved in your business and you intend to supply any other retailers or caterers you may be exempt from approval if the supply of the food of animal origin is marginal, localised and restricted.

Should your food business be exempt from the approval process then you will still need to register your food business with us. Details of how to register your food business can be found on our food registration guidance page.

Once we receive the completed approval form together with the necessary documentation an officer will be in contact with you and arrange to visit you at your premises. The officer will look in depth at your process and documentation and discuss any work you need to do in order to comply with the regulations. If your business has achieved the required standards, approval will be granted and you will be issued with a unique approval number which makes up part of the identification mark that you will need to apply to your products.

If this involves a change to how you are using the premises then you may also need planning permission. 

Visit the Food Standards Agency website (opens new window) for further advice for new food businesses.

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