Key Service Telephone Numbers
Starting Up A New Food Business?
If you are planning to start a new food business or take over an existing one, you must register with the Council. Registration is free and must be completed at least 28 days before opening.
You can register by completing the online food premises registration form or by visiting our office.
The New Premise Guide, prepared by our department, also gives helpful information for anyone setting up a new food business.
Additionally, the Food Standards Agency has produced useful leaflets that may answer common questions:
Starting Up – Your first steps to running a catering business
Food Hygiene – A Guide For Businesses
EC Approval
If your business produces food of animal origin, your premises may need to be approved by the Council or the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Approval is typically required for commercial premises that supply other businesses.
Examples of products and processes requiring approval include:
- Collagen
- Dairy products
- Eggs / egg products
- Fishery products
- Frogs’ legs / snails
- Gelatine
- Meat preparations
- Meat products
- Mechanically separated meat
- Minced meat
- Rendered animal fats and greaves
- Shellfish
- Treated stomachs, bladders, and intestines
To apply for EC approval, please complete and return the approval form or visit our office.
Further guidance on completing the approval application from can be found here
For further information: FSA Approval of Establishments
Contact Details
Telephone: 0330 137 4024