What happens after registering a new food business?
Once you have registered your food business with us several important steps follow to ensure your business complies with food safety regulations. Some details about your business will appear on our public register of food businesses and will also be provided to Trading Standards at KCC, who deal with food labelling and composition matters.
Confirmation of registration
After submitting your registration, you will receive an acknowledgment letter from us to confirm that your business is registered. Registration cannot be refused, and it is a legal requirement for all food businesses.
Initial inspection
The Food & Safety Team will inspect your premises to make sure they meet food safety, and health and safety standards. This will include showing that there are food safety procedures and a food safety management systems in place. During this visit, the officer will
- inspect the premises and check the cleanliness and condition of your facilities.
- review food handling practices to assess how food is stored, prepared, cooked, and served.
Food hygiene rating
Based on the inspection, your business will be given a food hygiene rating from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating very good hygiene standards. This rating will be made public.
Compliance and Follow-Up
Once we have assessed your application, we will either:
- approve your application
- refuse your application with reasons telling you why and how you can appeal
If any issues are identified during the inspection, you will be provided with guidance on how to address them. Depending on the severity of the issues, follow-up inspections may be scheduled to ensure compliance
Ongoing Responsibilities
As a registered food business, you must
- maintain high hygiene standards and continuously ensure that your premises and practices meet food safety regulations.
- keep records and document your food safety management procedures and any actions taken to address issues.
By understanding these steps and maintaining compliance, you can ensure that your food business operates safely and successfully.