How to register
You must register your food business with the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Food Safety Team, at least 28 days before opening, if:
- you're starting a new food business, or
- you're taking over an existing food business
There is no charge to register and you do not need to renew your registration.
Apply to register a food business (GOV.UK website)
If you want to provide hot food and drink between 11pm and 5am, you also need to apply for a late-night refreshment premises licence.
Before registering your food business
Before registering, you should contact us to discuss your plans as you need to make sure that:
- the food you sell is safe
- you're complying with food hygiene law
The Food Safety Team can then sort out any problems before you start trading. For a fee, the team can visit your premises, talk through your proposals, and give tailored advice on food safety.
After registering your food business
You'll be inspected by a Food Safety Officer and given a food hygiene rating.
The rating is for the hygiene standards of the food business . It's not about the quality of the food or about the standards of service provided to customers.
If you do not agree with your rating, you can appeal or apply for a re-inspection.
Once registered, your food business will be added to the food premises register.
You must also notify us if the:
- person operating the food business changes
- nature of the business changes
- business closes
Food Safety Officers will also make regular inspections to your premises. This ensures cleanliness and good hygiene practice.
Find out more about food law inspections and your business (Food Standards Agency website)
Food handlers need to be trained or supervised and instructed in food hygiene, to an appropriate level, by law.