Register a food business

If you run a food business that stores, prepares, distributes or sells food in Richmond, it is a legal requirement that you register your business with us.

Who needs to register

The majority of businesses will have to be registered.

You must register if you run a food business from any of the following types of premises:

• Cafes
• Canteens
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Market stalls
• Restaurants
• Schools and nurseries
• Shops
• Supermarkets

If you're unsure whether your business needs to be registered, please contact us for advice.

Vehicles

If you use vehicles for your food business alongside a permanent premises like a shop or warehouse, you should tell us how many you have. You do not need to register each vehicle separately.

If you have one or more vehicle but no permanent premises, you must tell us where they are normally kept.

Mobile traders

If you run a mobile catering van, food delivery vehicle, or market stall, you must register with the local council where your vehicle, food, and equipment is stored overnight. This applies even if you trade in multiple locations.

Registration is based on the location your business returns to or is based at between trading, not where you sell your products.

Exemptions

Some premises are exempt from registration.

Approved premises

Some businesses need to be approved instead of registered.

You will need approval if your business makes, prepares or handles meat, dairy, fish or other animal products to supply to other businesses. If you think you need approval, contact us before you apply.

Find our more about food premises approval.

Private and domestic

You don’t need to register if you’re only producing or handling food for private domestic use.

One off events

You don’t need to register if you’re only running a one-off event.

Apply to register your business

You must register your food business with us at least 28 days before opening.

If you are registering a new business you should provide the date that you intend to open. If that date is delayed you should inform us by email at foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk.

If you use premises in more than one local authority area, these need to be registered separately. We can only register the premises that are in Richmond.

Online

Register a food business (GOV.UK)

By post

You can also register by downloading and completing the food premises registration form.

The completed form should be emailed to food.registration@merton.gov.uk or posted to:

Food & Safety Team
Regulatory Services Partnership
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX

After you register

If you have not heard from us within 28 days, you can start operating as if your registration has been accepted.

It can take around 14 to 28 days for your business details to be uploaded and visible on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website.

Report a change in circumstances

You need to tell us if you make changes to:

• Who owns the business
• The nature of the business
• The address at which moveable premises are kept (e.g. vehicles)

To report a change in circumstances, email foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk.

Public register

Once approved, your details are entered on our register and shared with the Food Standards Agency.

The following details from the register are available upon request:

• Business name
• Business address
• Nature of the food business

Inspect the register

The register is open to inspection by the public by appointment only. To request an appointment email foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like advice, please contact us:

Consumer Protection
Regulatory Services Partnership
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX

Telephone: 020 8545 3025
Fax: 020 8891 7713
Email: foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk