Approved food premises

If you run or intend to start up a business which makes or handles food of animal origin your business may need to be approved by the local authority. 

Approval will not be required if your business is a retail shop and you only sell to customers and do not supply your food to any other business premises.

Products of animal origin include

• fresh meat
• minced meat
• meat products such as ready meals, pies, sausage rolls 
• meat preparations such as sausages
• milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt
• eggs and egg products
• fish and fishery products
• shellfish
• honey.

There are some exceptions to the requirement for approval for some businesses that also have retail sales from the premises - further details can be obtained from the food team.

If your business needs approval you will not need to register it as well. To obtain approval you will need to meet the hygiene standards as set out in: Regulation (EC) No 852/2004  - hygiene of foodstuffs and Regulation (EC) No 853/2004  - specific rules for products of animal origin.

Further guidance is available on the Food Standards Agency website.

How to apply

To apply for approval you will need to complete the application form and supply the necessary documentation as described in the application form. 

You can make the application even if you do not have all the documentation ready, however approval cannot be granted until all the documents are provided.  Once approved you will be given a unique identity number that will identify your company and your business will be include in the appropriate list of approved establishments on the Food Standards Agency website.

Application form for food premises

If you require any further information or advice please contact the food team on 0207 525 2000 and leave your contact details.  

Please see the information on registering a food business for more details.