Who needs to register?

All food business that serve food to the public, whether for profit or not, need to register with the Council. A food business must be Registered at least 28 days before the business opens or within 28 days of taking over an existing food business. Food business registration is free of charge. Failure to register a food business or notify significant changes is an offence under the Food Regulations. More information on registration is on the Food Standards Agency's website.

Premises approval

Some manufacturing food business need to have their food business approved by the Council. Certain types of food premises, generally manufacturers of products of animal origin, such as dairies, meat product manufacturers or fish processors are subject to product-specific regulations. The approval of food businesses is also free of charge. for further information please see the Approval of Food Business Premises web page.

How do I register my business?

You can apply by any of the following methods:

• Apply using our secure online form.

• Contacting us in writing, telephone or email. Please use the contact forms below to request an application form.

How long will my registration take to process?

We aim to process your registration as soon as possible. We will confirm that we have received your notification. Please contact us if you have any queries using the details below.

Evaluation process

Registration cannot be refused and therefore you can continue with your business as soon as you have submitted your registration form. However, we would recommend that you contact us at the earliest opportunity so we can advise you how to meet the required standards.

Public Register

At present we do not publish our register of food premises online. However, most registered food businesses appear on our hygiene rating information or "scores on the doors" pages. We hope to publish our register in the near future however, if you have any questions, please contact us.

Food Safety

The Council's dedicated team of Environmental Health Officers help to ensure that all food is safe to eat. Most of the work involves inspecting the food businesses, dealing with any complaints and investigating outbreaks of food borne illnesses, though we also sample food and offer advice and information. Please see our Food Safety web pages for more information.

How can I make a complaint about an item of food I have bought?

If you have a complaint about any food or drink you have bought or the state of a food business you have visited you can complain to the Council’s food safety team.

Can I start trading before receiving my registration (i.e. will tacit consent apply)?

Tacit Consent will apply. This means that you will be able to act as though your application is granted if you have not heard from Dudley Council.

Please note Tacit Consent will only apply once a full application has been submitted and you have received an acknowledgment from Dudley Council.

If I am not satisfied with the service I have received from the Council about a registration, how do I complain?

If you feel we have failed to provide you with good service or are concerned about the progress of your application, please contact us and we will endeavour to resolve any concerns you may have. We also have a formal complaints procedure.

Are there any relevant trade associations?

Have a look at some of the following:

• The Food and Drink Federation The voice of the UK food and drink industry

Where can I get more information?

The Food Standards Agency has useful information on food premises registration. In addition, please refer to our Notes on Food Registered Premises