Approval of food manufacturing premises

The law requires that certain food manufacturing premises require specific approval from the Council.

If a food premises produces certain food for other food or retail businesses, rather than supplying the consumer directly, they may need to be approved.

Eligibility Criteria
If you produce a high protein food, i.e. dairy, meat, fish or egg products, and you supply retail business and other food businesses you should contact us to see if you need to be approved.

There are some exemptions, for example for businesses who are mainly selling to the final consumer and only supply small amounts of their products to other food businesses in their local area, or for some food products which contain plant as well as animal ingredients. You should contact us on the above contact details, or by phoning 01395 517456 and asking to speak to a Food Officer to see if your business qualifies for any of the exemptions.

The food handling, packaging and storage rooms need to be constructed to a high commercial standard

There is no charge for applying for food premises approval.

Application Evaluation Process
Before we can give you an approval you have to show us that you:-

  • have suitable premises;
  • have in place a detailed, relevant and sufficient documented food safety management system;
  • have suitably trained staff, including management staff with training in the development and maintenance of the food safety management system;
  • have in place suitable provisions for maintenance, servicing, pest control etc;
  • have arrangements for microbiological testing of the product, and the production environment.

When we are satisfied that your business complies with the requirements we will issue you with a unique reference number which you use to identify your products.

Will Tacit Consent Apply?
No. It is an offence to supply certain foods to other food or retail premises without approval from the Council. If you have not heard from us within 14 days, please contact us. You can use the contact details above, or phone us on 01395 517456.

We strongly recommend you contact us for a visit to advise you on what you need to do to comply with the license requirements while you are still at the very early stages of planning the business.

Apply online
Apply for an approval for your food business  
Tell us about a change to your approved premises or activities
Tell us if you no longer want to be approved

Refusal to issue a license, or ‘unreasonable’ conditions imposed on a license
Please contact us to discuss why you have been refused an approval or if you think we have asked for an unreasonable condition.

If you are not happy with our decision, you can appeal to the Magistrates court. A court may give directions on the issue of an approval, or on conditions set on the approval.

Consumer Complaints
We would always advise that you contact the business first - preferably in writing (with proof of delivery).
We would also like to be informed of your complaint at an early stage, so we can follow up with the business if adaptations need to be made to their processes or procedures.

If your complaint concerns the labeling of the product, Consumer Direct will give you advice.

From outside the UK you should contact your local food enforcement service who will take the matter on your behalf.

If you need any more information please contact us using the details at the top of this page.

Page last updated on 26 January 2012