Considerations when opening a new food business

Advice on starting a new food business can be found on the Food Standards Agency website 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.