Setting up a Food Business

Registration of a food business is required by law and is completely free of charge. Premises must be registered 28 days before the business opens. For a registration form please contact Environmental Health.

A food business means any undertaking, whether carried on for profit or not, whether public or private and includes any or all of the following operations; preparation, processing, manufacture, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, handling of, or offering for sale food.

Environmental Health is able to provide advice on both materials and equipment that can be used in a food business prior to starting work. Should you need further help or advice, please contact Environmental Health.

Some food businesses will need to carry out extra work to comply with more specific requirements. These include manufacturers of meat products, meat preparations and milk products. Please ask for advice to see if your business needs to meet any specific requirements.

As a first step, we recommend you read Food Hygiene - A Guide for Business Opens in a new window which has been published by the Food Standards Agency. This gives up to date information about food safety law and how to comply. If you have plans for a specific premises in the borough, we would be pleased to meet you on site, or advise you on your plans.

How do I register?
You can apply online

What will happen after I am registered?
Once you have applied for registration, an Environmental Health Officer will contact you with regards to arranging for an inspection of your premises.

What if I am not satisfied with the registration process?
Please contact Environmental Health on 01276 707330 or email environmental.health@surreyheath.gov.uk if you are not satisifed the the registration process.