Food business registration and approval

If you want to store, prepare, distribute or sell food on premises in Barking and Dagenham, you need to register with us at least 28 days before you start operating.

Food premises include:

  • restaurants
  • cafés
  • hotels
  • shops
  • canteens
  • market stalls
  • mobile catering vans
  • food delivery vans

Registration is a legal requirement and failure to register your premises is a criminal offence for which you may be prosecuted and fined and/or imprisoned for up to 2 years on conviction. Registering your business is free and your registration cannot be refused.

If you want to make, prepare or handle food that comes from animals, for example meat or dairy products, other than for direct sale to the consumer, your premises may need to be approved by the council before you can undertake the activity.

If you are approved you don’t need to register as well. If you are not sure whether your business needs to be approved or registered, contact us.

Some manufacturers handling products of animal origin may need to be approved by the Meat Hygiene Service.

Register a food business premises

Food Safety Team

Barking Town Hall, Lower Ground, 1 Clock House Avenue, Barking IG11 7LU

foodsafety@lbbd.gov.uk