Who needs to register?
All food business that serve food to the public, whether for profit or not, need to register with the Council.
If a food business must be Registered with the Local Authority at least 28 days before the business opens or within 28 days of taking over an existing food business. 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
In addition, some manufacturing food business also need to get their business approved by the Council. Certain type 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 application process is free of charge. for further information please see the Approval of Food Business Premises webpage.
How do I register my business?
You can apply by any of the following methods:
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Downloading an application form. You can do this by selecting "No", to the agreement to hold data via the above Online Application Form and you will be able to download a form after this point. You can send us a completed and signed application form together with a cheque for the correct amount or bringing it to us in person at our offices.
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At present we do not publish our register of food premises online.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 webpages for more information.
How can I make a complaint about an item of food I have bought?
If you have a problem with an item of food you can report it to the Food & Occupational Safety Team, and an Officer will investigate the complaint. You will have to pass the food item and the packaging over to the Officer. The section's prime concern is to ensure that there is not a recurring problem, however in some circumstances legal proceeding may follow from the investigation, at which you would be required as a witness. In any instance we can not guarantee a replacement or compensation from the manufacturers. Alternatively you may wish to complain to the retailer who will be able to investigate on your behalf, in these instances you would be advised not to hand over the complaint until you have been contacted by the manufacturers or the importers.
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 by the end of the target period.
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:
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
