Apply for a Food Establishment Approval

How do I apply for approval?

Application for approval is free of charge. If you want to apply for approval, please read the application guidance notes and then complete the online form on the GOV.UK website.

When should I apply for approval?

Applications should be made in plenty of time before you wish to start trading. You cannot start trading before receiving an approval. You must not commence any business activity which requires approval unless you have received conditional or full approval for your proposed activity from us. If you start trading without approval, it is an offence which may lead to prosecution.

When can an approval form be rejected?

Applications can be rejected for the following reasons:

The premises or vehicle is not based in South Oxfordshire – you must apply in the area where you are based.
You must complete and sign the application form and supply all of the requested documents.

What happens after I apply for approval?

We will contact you to discuss your proposed business and be available to answer any questions. A visit will be arranged shortly after to validate the information provided and assess compliance with the relevant legislation to determine if conditional approval can be granted.

Businesses are given conditional approval for three months initially. An additional visit will be made within this time to assess ongoing compliance with hygiene legislation, after this visit full approval may be given if compliance with the relevant legislation is met. If compliance is not met at this time, conditional approval and be extended for a further three months. If compliance is not met by the end of this time conditional approval is withdrawn.

Public Register

Once approved, details of the premises together with information relating to types of foods produced are forwarded to the Food Standards Agency to be kept on a central register.

For more information, visit the FSA website.