Enforcement essentials
Lots of us need help from enforcement officials from time to time. Whether it is to investigate a complaint about out-of-date food or help setting up a food business, enforcement officers are there to make sure food law is applied properly and fairly.
If you are setting up a food business, you can find out how to register with your local authority as well as accessing a host of information designed to help you through the starting up process.
You can also find your nearest Environmental Health or Trading Standards department to contact if you need to report a problem with a food business, or just want some advice on running your own food business.
Find out more
About food law enforcement
The enforcement of regulations on food standards, safety and hygiene is primarily the responsibility of local authorities.
Register your food business
When starting a new food business it is very important to get things right at the start because it will make it much easier for you to run your business well in the future. You must register your premises with the environmental health service at your local authority at least 28 days before opening – registration is free.
Food Hygiene Rating Schemes
The Food Standards Agency, in partnership with local authorities, is introducing the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Food Hygiene Information scheme in Scotland. The schemes help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels and food shops.
Search for a local authority
Report an issue such as poor hygiene in a food outlet or a trading standards issue such as mislabelling. If you are planning to start a new catering business, you must register your premises with the environmental health service at your local authority at least 28 days before opening.
Enforcement Directory A–Z
The Food Standards Agency website is packed with information for Local Authorities, Industry and Enforcement. Our A–Z contains links to a wide range of topics.