Food Premises Registration

Under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 food businesses are required to register with their local council at least 28 days before they open. ‘Business’ includes charities, not for profit organisations, and events where food is given away free.

Why should I register? Registration is required by law for most food activities including market stalls, mobile traders and delivery companies. This tells us who is trading in our area and when and how often we need to visit the business to check on conditions.

How do I register?By filling in a registration form and sending it to us at the address below. Please click here to download the Registration of Food Premises Form. You may need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader to download this information. 

We must receive your form at least 28 days before you start to trade, and you can request a receipt on the application form. We can’t refuse to register you, and there is no fee charged. 

Your form should be sent to:  Commercial Team, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Po Box 2452, Hanley Town Hall, Albion Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1XP.

Does everyone need to register?Most businesses will have to register, but some premises will be exempt. If you are holding a one-off event, or if there is only a small amount of food activity, you might not need to register.  You can call us for details.

Special ‘approval’ arrangements exist for businesses manufacturing, cutting and supplying products based on meat, fish, eggs, and milk to other businesses. Call us for details.
 
Our best advice is to complete a form and send it in. If you do not need to register we will tell you.

Will I receive a certificate?No. The registration is just a way of telling us that you prepare or handle food. There is no certificate involved.

What happens to the information I supply?All the details you provide will be entered onto a register. Part of this register is open to the public but not the personal details you provide. We keep these confidential.

You have a right to see and receive a copy of the register entry for your business.

Changes to your businessOnce you are registered you must tell us about any major change to your operation, premises, or the products you sell. You must also tell us if you intend to close your business.

Changes to the registerIf we wish to change the register because of information we receive from other agencies we will tell you 28 days before we do this.  You will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. 

You can get more help or advice by calling us on: 01782 232065.

These notes are provided for your help and should not be regarded as a complete statement of the law about food registration.

If you would like any more information please contact us.  Click here for our contact details.