Registration of a food business establishment (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures) is required by law - Regulation (EC) No.852/2004 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs, Article 6(2). There are no specific exemptions to this requirement. Registration will allow local authorities to keep an up-to-date list of all those premises in their area so they can visit them when they need to. The frequency of the visits will depend on the type of business.

If you run a food business establishment you must tell (or arrange for someone else to tell) the local authority about any premises you use for storing, selling, distributing or preparing food. Food premises include restaurants, hotels, cafes, shops, supermarkets, staff canteens, kitchens in offices, warehouses, guest houses, delivery vehicles, buffet cars on trains, market and other stalls, hot dog and ice cream vans etc.

Although there are no specific exemptions the Council will probably not require registration of a vending machine by itself, for example. You should contact your local authority if you think you might be in this or a similar category.

Anyone starting a new food business must register with the local authority at least 28 days before starting up.

By completing the online food premises registration form which is shown on the Do it online section on the right hand side of the page.

Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge. The registration form must be sent to your local authority. If you use premises in more than one local authority area, you must register with each authority separately. If you operate a mobile food vehicle, you need to register with the local authority in whose district you store your van overnight.  For businesses within the Central Bedfordshire area please send your completed forms to Public Protection Services, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, Beds. SG17 5TQ.

The local authority will enter the details on its register. A register of addresses and the type of business carried on at each will be open to inspection by the general public.

Once you have registered with the local authority you need to notify them of certain changes. For example: if you sell the business or if there is a change of the address, then you will need to complete an a new registration form.

If you run or intend to start up a business which makes or handles food of animal origin (eg meat, fish or dairy) and you supply another establishment rather than sell your food to the final consumer, i.e. the person who is actually going to consume the food you may need approval.  Approval is not the same as registration. If you think you handle these sorts of foods and supply other establishments please contact Public Protection Services on 0300 300 8302.