The Food Safety Act 1990 and regulations made under it make it an offence for anyone to sell or process food for sale which is harmful to health.
This is to prevent food poisoning.
The Regulations also place an obligation on businesses to ensure that their activities are carried out in a hygienic way.
Registration of premises used for a food business (including market stalls, delivery vehicles and other moveable structures) is required by law.
Registration is a one off exercise and free of charge. It allows us to keep an up-to-date list of all those premises in the Poole area so we can visit them when needed. The frequency of the visits will depend on the type of business.
Anyone starting a new food business must register with us at least 28 days before doing so.
The majority of premises have to be registered. However, certain premises are exempt from registration, for example
- some which are already "approved" for food law purposes
- certain agricultural premises
Please contact us if you think you might be exempt.
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You can register by downloading an application form. Registration cannot be refused and there is no charge. The registration form must be sent to us. If the form is sent to the wrong address, your application will not take effect until it is received at the proper place. If you use premises in more than one local authority area, you must register with each authority separately.
You must tick all the boxes which apply to your business, answer all the questions and give all the information requested. Seasonal businesses operating for a certain period each year should give the dates between which they will be open in answer to question
If you have any questions, please contact us and we will help you. It is an offence to give information which you know is false.
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We will enter your details on our Register. A register of addresses and the type of business carried on at these will be open to inspection by the general public. Records of the other information provided will not be publicly available and will not be disclosed outside of ourselves, Local Government Departments and Government Agencies. Your details will be used for the purpose of registration, enforcement and the protection of public funds.
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Once you have registered with us, you only need to notify us if
- there is a change of proprietor, (the new proprietor will have to complete a registration form.)
- the nature of the business changes
- or if there is a change of the address at which moveable premises are kept
Please contact us using the details below to notify us of any changes to your business.
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For more detailed information on food law please go to the Food Standards Agency website. Business advice on food standards is also available at the Trading Standards Institute.
We are always willing to give guidance on how the law relates to your business. If you need advice, please ask by contacting us on the number below or by email.
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