To store, prepare, distribute or sell food on premises you need to be registered with the local authority.

Registration of a food business establishment is required by law (Reg (EC) No.852/2004 Art 6(2))

Who needs to register?

Anyone starting a new food business that will run for 5 or more days in any 5 consecutive weeks must register premises associated with the business with the local authority, at least 28 days before opening for business. This applies whether the business is for profit or not and whether public or private. Registration is free.

Food premises include:

  • Restaurants, hotels, guest houses and cafes
  • Shops and supermarkets
  • Kitchens in offices and staff canteens
  • Warehouses
  • Delivery vehicles
  • Vehicles used to serve food including hot dog and ice cream vans
  • Buffet cars on trains
  • Market and other stalls

» View the register of food premises within London Borough of Waltham Forest

Vehicles used for food businesses

If you use vehicles for your food business in connection with permanent premises such as a shop, warehouse you will need to tell your local authority how many vehicles you have. You do not need to register each vehicle separately but you will need to tell your local authority where they are normally kept.

Food businesses that need approval

Certain types of businesses will need to be approved, rather than registered, those producing meat and meat products, egg products, milk and milk products and fish and fish products. You should Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the food safety team if you think your business might need approval.

See approved food premises

Exemptions from registration

Certain premises are exempt from registration, including:

  • Some premises which are already approved for food law purposes
  • Certain agricultural premises
  • Motorcars
  • Tents and marquees (but not staff)
  • Some domestic premises
  • Some village halls

If you think you might be exempt contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the food safety team.

Will tacit consent apply?

Yes. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if no representations have been received within 28 days of submitting your application.

How do I register?

You can register online by completing and submitting the online form:

What happens to the information given on the form?

The local authority will enter the details on its register. A register of the name of the food business operator; the name of the food business (if any), the address of the food business establishment and the type of business carried on at each can be viewed by the general public. Records of the other information provided will not be publicly available, subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Act 1998. View also our privacy statement.

Changes in circumstances

Once you have registered you only need to notify us if:

  • There is a change of proprietor (new proprietor must complete a new application form)
  • The nature of the business changes
  • There is a change of the address at which moveable premises are kept

If the local authority wishes to change the entry in the register because of information that it receives from someone else, you will be given 28 days notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposes change.

You can notify us of the changes in circumstances by completing the online form:

  • Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances *available shortly

Consumer complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked, if you are located in the UK, Directgov gives advice on your consumer rights. From outside the UK contact the UK European Consumer Centre.

Please contact Waltham Forest Direct and ask for the food safety team in the first instance for matters concerning:

  • Licence holder redress
  • Failed application redress
  • Other redress - include other complaints relating to another aspect of the operation such as noise, pollution or public health

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