Starting a new food business

Information if you are starting a new or taking over an existing food business.

Registration of a business establishment used for a food premises (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures) is required by law. Registration allows us to keep an up-to-date list of all those premises in our area so that we can visit them when we need to. The frequency of the visits will depend on the type of premises.

Registration of food businesses

If you run a food business establishment you must tell (or arrange for someone else to tell) us about any premises you use for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food. Food premises includes restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, supermarkets, staff canteens, kitchens in offices, warehouses, guest houses, delivery vehicles, market and other stalls, hot dog and ice cream vans etc.

If you use vehicles for your business in connection with permanent premises such as a shop, or warehouse you only need to tell us how many vehicles you have. You do not need to register each vehicle separately. If you have one or more vehicles but no permanent premises, you must tell the authority where they are normally kept.

It is a legal requirement to register your food business and you apply online or download the Food Premises Registration Form in the related documents section.

For a new food business you should send a signed form at least 28 days before the business is due to open
If taking over an existing food business the form should be sent within 28 days of the changes happening. If practicable we would also welcome written confirmation from the previous owners that they are not longer operating the business.

Online Applications

Apply for registration of a food business establishment (opens in a new window) You can also download a form to complete and send to the Council in the related documents section

Will Tacit Consent Apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from the local authority by the end of the target completion period.

Premises That Need Approval

If you operate a food premises that handles food of animal origin that is supplied on to another business, you may need to be approved. Approval will be required before starting the business and must be applied for well in advance of your proposed start date.

Mobile food business

If you are planning a mobile catering business, please download the Mobile Outdoor Catering Guide from the related documents section. Registration must be with the local authority in whose area the vehicle is stored.

General

It is recommended that you contact this office to speak to the Food, Health and Safety Team well in advance of opening. This will give you time to carry out any modifications or alterations, should the need arise, in sufficient time before opening.

Contact the Food, Health and Safety Team at:

Merlin House
Merlin Way
Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 4RA

Tel: 0845 907 2244 ext 3820

For a copy of the food business register please contact us at the above address. A fee will be payable.