Register a food business

General advice for setting up a food business can be found on the food standards agency website (opens new window).

Who needs to register as a food business?

nyone storing, selling, distributing or preparing food or drink on a regular and organised basis will need to register with their Local Environmental Health team. There does not need to be an exchange of money, even if you are giving away food you may still need to register.

What do I need to do if I am holding a one off event?

If you are holding a one off event where food is offered or sold such as a BBQ or fair, you do not need to register as a food business. However, you must ensure that anyone handling food follows safe food hygiene practices. More guidance on Food Safety (opens new window).

How do I register as a food business? 

If you are located within the Borough of Guildford you can register on our website.

A mobile business should register with the Local Authority where the vehicle is stored overnight.

Are there any additional requirements for mobile traders?

To sell items on the street within the Borough of Guildford you will need a street trading licence. The street includes any road, path or public area. You can apply for street trading consent on our website.

You will need the permission of the landowner and you may also need planning permission. You should take independent legal advice to ensure you are complying with all legal requirements.

The Council do not operate "pitches" from which to trade. It will be down to you to identify where you wish to trade from and to obtain the street trading licence. 

If you wish to operate from the North Street Market or Farmers Market, visit our Farmers Market webpage.

When can I start trading?

As a mobile trader you can not start trading until you have received street trading consent. If you are not a mobile trader, you can start trading as soon as you are registered. You do not need to wait for an inspection to trade.

When will I receive an inspection?

Once you have started operating an officer will carry out an inspection. Most inspections are unannounced but if you operate from a residential premises we will always contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time to carry out the inspection.

When we receive a registration, inspections will be triaged according to risk. The lower risk your food business in terms of type of food produced and numbers of customers the longer you will need to wait for an inspection. We aim to carry out an inspection within three months of registration.

What if I want to use a food delivery platform?

Once you are registered you will appear on the food hygiene rating website as 'awaiting inspection' this allows you to use the food delivery platforms. You do not need to wait for an inspection. Awaiting inspection stickers can be sent on request.

Can I run a food business from my home?

Yes, it is possible to run a food business from home. You will need to make sure that the area where you are storing and/or preparing food is kept clean and maintained in good repair and condition. For general information on running a business from home visit the governments website (opens new window).

What if I have a pet?

Pets should not be allowed in areas such as a kitchen when you are handling open food. You must ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to starting and the pet is removed from this area until you have finished. Any ingredients and final products must be protected from potential contamination by the pet, pet food etc.

What documentation do I need?

All food businesses will need food hygiene procedures. The amount required will depend on the nature of the food you are producing. Most small businesses can fill in and use the Safer Food Better Business pack (opens new window).

There are various versions of the pack including; caterers (suitable for small businesses handling open food), retailers (suitable for businesses selling only pre-packed food), Indian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, childminders and residential care homes.

You'll need to use the pack most suitable for your business. Depending on the food you are producing, you may also wish to keep monitoring records, such as fridge/freezer temperatures, hot food temperatures, cleaning schedules etc. to prove that the food you are serving has been produced safely.

What training do I need?

Food handlers should be trained, instructed or supervised dependant on their role within the business. We recommend food handlers complete level two food hygiene training and that this is refreshed every three years. There are a number of courses available online.

How soon will my rating be published on the FSA website?

After an inspection most businesses will receive a food hygiene rating unless you are told that you are exempt. Ratings will be published on the Food Hygiene Ratings website up to four weeks after the date of inspection. This is to allow time for an appeal to be submitted.

Where should the toilet be located?

Toilets must not open directly into a room where open food is stored or handled. There must be an intervening ventilated space between the toilet and a food room with doors on either side.

What hand washing facilities do I need?

Any food business handling open food must have a wash hand basin installed. This must have hot and cold running water, soap and paper towels and must be located in the area where food is handled.

The wash hand basin must be separate to the food and equipment washing sinks. If you are a mobile business such as a market stall or catering van and handling open food, you will need hand washing facilities.

This can be a portable hand washing style unit which is filled with warm water before food handling commences and kept topped up with water during the day. If you are operating a food business from a residential address, you do not need to install a separate wash hand basin. However, you must ensure appropriate hand washing facilities are available.

Do I need an extraction system?

If you are cooking it is highly likely you will need some form of extraction. To prevent causing a noise or odour nuisance to your neighbours, extraction systems will need to be correctly installed and maintained and suitable for the type and frequency of cooking being carried out. Extraction stacks should discharge at least one metre above the eaves of the property. You may require planning permission to install an extraction system. More information on planning requirements.

What cleaning chemicals do I need to use?

Surfaces must be cleaned and/or disinfected dependent on use. You must determine what is appropriate for your business. You should adopt the "clear and clean as you go" policy whenever possible. Disinfectants or sanitisers should comply with BS EN 1276 or BS EN 13697. You can check the labels to see if these BS EN numbers are listed.

What do I need to know about allergies in my food business?

Food allergens are a significant hazard to those sensitive to them. You are therefore required to consider allergies as a food risk, whether they are an intended ingredient or whether the allergen gets into food due to cross contamination. Allergen guidance for food businesses (opens new window).

Do I need planning permission to operate a food business?

You may need planning permission, especially if there is a material change of use for the property you wish to use. It is essential that you contact the Planning Department to check if permission is required.

Where can I go to get further advice?

The Industry Guide to Good Hygiene Practice - Catering Guide can be downloaded for free (opens new window).

There are also various other guides to good hygiene practice available to purchase online. (opens new window)