Food businesses

This section provides information and advice about setting up a food business.

Setting up a food business will naturally require much planning and forethought to avoid practical, legal and economic pitfalls.

You should carefully plan the structure and layout of the premises, and the equipment to be used.

The best practice guidelines in this section are designed to assist you in interpreting the relevant food hygiene legislation related to your business.

Before undertaking a project you should also check whether the work may require Building Regulations approval or Planning Permission. 

In some instances the Fire Safety Officer will need to be consulted and requirements may need to be met under the Fire Precaution Legislation.

It is important not to assume that an established business complies fully with the law, and so when taking over you are advised to contact the Council.

For more information on reporting a food crime or food safety incident in your business see FSA contact us page.