Food business registration

Registration of a food business establishment (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures) is required by law.

To register, please download our Food Business Establishment registration form, fill it in and send it to:

Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge. If the form is sent to the wrong address, your application will not take effect until it is received at the proper place. If you use premises in more than one local authority area, you must register with each authority separately. 

You must tick all the boxes which apply to your business, answer all the questions and give all the information requested. Seasonal businesses operating for a certain period each year should give the dates between which they will be open. It is an offence to give information which you know is false. If you have any questions, we will help you.

For new food business establishments the form should be submitted 28 days before commencing food operations. If you intend to open sooner you should complete the form and submit it giving as much notice as you can and an officer will then be in contact with you.

Businesses should comply with food safety laws from the time that they start trading to ensure that the food that they supply is safe to eat.  Registered establishment will be inspected to assess compliance with food safety laws and this assessment will be used to determine the rating under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. 

Waveney District Council officers will be happy to provide guidance to new businesses on compliance with food safety regulations. There are also a number of advisory leaflets on food safety matters that can be obtained from the Food Standards Agency.