Starting and running a food business

All food establishments in Northern Ireland, including food businesses operating from domestic premises, must be registered with their local council environmental health service.

Do I need to register my food business?

All types of food businesses that serve customers directly need to register, including:

• restaurants, cafes and takeaways
• catering businesses run from home, B&Bs, mobile catering and temporary businesses
• marquees, food stalls, food pop-ups and food vans
• nurseries, schools and care homes
• distance selling, mail order and food delivery including online

You will need to register your food business if you:

• sell food
• cook food
• store or handle food
• prepare food
• distribute food

Businesses involved in food distribution or food supply that operate from an office should also register as food businesses, even if they don't keep any food at the premises.

When do I need to register my food business?

You must register your food establishment at least 28 days before opening. If you have more than one food establishment then each one must be registered with the local council where it's located. If you are already trading and have not registered, you need to do so as soon as possible.

You should also inform the local council environmental health service if the food business activities change, including:

• change of food business operator (notification of a change of the operator of a food business establishment should be made by the new food business operator)
• a change to the activities carried out in relation to food
• closure of a food business establishment

Why do food premises have to be registered?

Registration enables local authorities to keep an up-to-date list of all food premises in their area. They can visit them when they need to and inspect the establishment to make sure they comply with food safety regulations.

How to register your food business establishment

Registering a food business is simple and free of charge. You only have to register each food establishment once.

GOV.UK has a food business registration tool where you simply submit the postcode location of your food business establishment. The tool then returns details of how to apply to your local council with a link to the application form, whether it be an online or downloadable form. 

Your local council environmental health service will be able to help you with any questions you have about registering your food business. Find your local council in Northern Ireland.