Applying for approval of a meat establishment

Establishments approved by the Food Standard Agency

The following establishments require veterinary control and must be approved by us before they start trading:

• slaughterhouses
• cutting plants
• game handling establishments
• wholesale meat market

Approval assessment

As part of the approval process, we will assess:

• the equipment and structure of your establishment
• your food safety management system, as part of the approval process.

You are not permitted to operate until a conditional approval has been granted.

After approval, one of our veterinary officials will return within three months to assess production and your compliance with all the hygiene requirements in Regulation 852/2004 and Regulation 853/2004.

Apply for approval

Complete the relevant application form and send to:

Food Standards Agency
Approvals Team
Room 112, Kings Pool
Peasholme Green
York YO1 7PR

When we receive your application one of our veterinary officials will contact you within two weeks to arrange a visit to conduct an assessment.

Right of appeal

You have a right to appeal our decision if your premises is refused approval under Regulation 12 of the Official Feed and Food Controls Regulations 2009.

You can submit an appeal one month from the date when you were notified of the decision.

Operational policy

The Operational policy explains the application and decision-making process involved in giving approval to your businesses. It also explains the circumstances in which we would remove your approval.

This document is for food business operators of existing approved food businesses and potential:

• slaughterhouses
• cutting plants
• game handling establishments
• wholesale markets

List of approved food establishments

• Approved UK food establishments
• Approved EU food establishments