New food businesses

Environmental Health registration

If you are a new food business you must register with Environmental Health 28 days prior to opening.

You will require a Food Premises Registration form(pdf, 50KB) that can be downloaded here and includes the Food Premises Registration Notes. Registration is free

One of the reasons this must be done is so that we can check that you and your premises are suitable for trade. To save you time and money we recommend you contact us to discuss your plans before they are finalised and, if possible, arrange a site visit.

Planning permission

You may require planning permission to open a food business. This depends on the type of food premise you wish to operate. Please see the Planning Guidance for Food and Drink Establishments(pdf, 560KB) for general guidance. For further information contact Development Control on 0845 612 2660.

If you would like a leaflet, or have any questions regarding food safety matters please call Environmental Health on 020 8891 7994.

Staff training

No formal training is required. However, all food handlers must be supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters to a level appropriate to their job.

Catering from home, vehicle or stall

There are specific legislative requirements, see "A guide to the food hygiene regulations 1995".

In order to cater from a vehicle or stall within the borough you need to be a registered trader and be operated from a designated pitch. Contact 0208 831 6455 for more details.

More information on food safety issues is available:

• Food safety in business premises
• Food Hygiene courses in the borough
• Food safety at home