Considerations when opening a new food business

Advice on starting a new food business can be found on the Food Standards Agency websiteOpens in new tab and Derby City Council Food Safety advice for businesses.

The Food Standards Agency have also produced a booklet, Starting up: Your first steps to running a catering business, which gives an outline of all the main things a new food business needs to know.  

Before starting the business you will need to consider:

• Whether the business has appropriate planning permission?  
• Are the premises suitable for your planned activities?
• How are hazards associated with food going to be controlled?
• Do you have a food management system?
• Will I need to provide toilets for customer use? 
  
• If structural alterations are needed will building regulations approval be needed?
  
• How can I keep pests out?
• Will a licence be needed such as for late night refreshment or alcohol licence?
  
• How do I dispose of my waste? 
  
• What do I need to consider for health and safety within the business?
  
• Fire Safety, contact the Fire Officer for advice on 01332 291134.