The law requires either the registration or approval of all food businesses.
You must register as a food business at least 28 days before opening a food business if you plan to:
- store food
- prepare food
- distribute food
- sell food
It is an offence to fail to register a food business.
Find out how to register as a food business
Your food business may need premises approval instead of registration if you:
- produce products of animal origin (meat, fish, dairy or eggs)
- supply these to other food business establishments
Such premises must not operate until approval has been granted.
Find out about premises approvals
If you are uncertain whether your business needs to be approved, please contact us for advice.
Register a food business
The main purpose of the registration process is to let us know:
- where premises are
- what type of business you are operating
We ensure that every premise is inspected and resources can be allocated in the appropriate areas.
Food premise registration is free of charge and cannot be refused. You can continue with your business as soon as you have submitted your registration form. We recommend you contact us as soon as possible. We will advise you how to meet the required standards.
Apply to register food premisesPublic Register
Please note that some details of food premises registrations are held on a Public Register which is available at council offices. For further information please contact the Public Protection Service.
Further information
Remember if you are running a food business on a commercial basis you are required to comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations. This also applies to businesses which are not for profit making.
More information on food safety issues is available from the Food Standards Agency.
Support to help your business succeed
The Business Regulatory Support team offer a range of support services to help your food business get off to the best possible start, such as;
- Gain or Retain 5 to help you achieve a 5-star food hygiene rating
- Allergens Direct to help you avoid allergy related incidents
- Safer Food, Better Business (SFBB) diaries to help keep your food hygiene in order
- Practical support to achieve fire safety compliance
- Help to implement correct health and safety at your premises
- Bitesize guides to help simplify regulation for new businesses
- Bespoke advice for questions specific to your business
- and much more
For advice on how to give your business the best possible start, contact our friendly hub team:
- call: 0300 1234 212 (option 4)
- email: businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
You can also find out more about the support available by following the button below.
View our business support services
Food premises approval
Certain types of food premises are subject to product specific regulations. These are generally manufacturers of products of animal origin, such as:
- dairies,
- meat product manufacturers
- or fish processors
The application process is free of charge.
We advise you to contact us for advice before starting the application process.
Apply for food premises approval
You can also download and complete the application for the food premises approval form.
Download the food premises approval form as a PDF
Following receipt of an application a member of the Public Protection Service will:
- assess the application
- normally visit the premise to validate the information provided
- make a decision as to whether approval can be granted.
Consent
Consent must be given in writing before you can operate a business which requires approval. The Public Protection Team must process and approve your application before you can operate. It is an offence to operate a business which is subject to approval under Regulation (EC) 853/2004.
Right of appeal
Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Council to refuse to grant an approval, may appeal against that decision to a Magistrates Court. The time limit for lodging an appeal is one month from the date on which this notice was served on you. You may wish to consult a legal adviser about the implications of this notice and your right of appeal against this Food Authority’s decision on your application.
Complaints procedure
If you have any concerns about the service you have received please contact us on 0300 1234 212.
Ask to speak to an officer from the Public Protection team who deal with food hygiene enquires.
Or email your concerns to businessadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
Public Register
Once approved, details of the premise together with information relating to types of foods produced are forwarded to the Food Standards Agency to be kept on a central EU register.
Further information
Visit the Food standards Agency website for advice on food safety issues including Approval.
