If you are thinking of starting up a new food or catering business, or already have one, find out about the basic requirements you need to meet.
Your first steps to running a catering business
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has produced a guide for people wanting to set up a catering business, for example a restaurant, café or takeaway. The FSA’s starting a food business information covers the main things you need to think about when you start a food business, including food hygiene matters and other general requirements.
Registration of a food premises
To store, prepare, distribute or sell food to the public you must be registered with us. This includes restaurants, cafés, hotels, shops, canteens, market stalls and mobile catering vans.
How to register your food business
You must complete and send in a food premises registration form at least 28 days before starting up any new food business. You will find more information on our registering a food business page.
Safer food, better business
The Food Standards Agency has produced a range of food safety management packs, called safer food, better business, to help small businesses, such as restaurants, cafés, takeaways and food retailers comply with food hygiene regulations.
You will find further information on our safer food, better business page.
Contact us