Register A Food Business
There is now a centralised registration scheme run by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). To Register A Food Business (RAFB) online please choose the district in Worcestershire where your food business is located. The relevant link below will take you to a form on the FSA website, or click on the district logo:
- Bromsgrove District Council - RAFB link
- Redditch Borough Council- RAFB link
- Malvern Hills District Council- RAFB link
- Worcester City Council- RAFB link
- Wychavon District Council- RAFB link
- Wyre Forest District Council- RAFB link
All businesses offering food and drink for sale to register with the Local Authority where they are based. Registering is free, and it is an offence not to register. This applies to everyone from major manufacturers to individuals working in a domestic setting. It should be done at least 28 days prior to starting trading. There are currently no exemptions. WRS confirms all new registrations and further start up information may also be sent.
When you register, initial assessment of low risk premises, may be by questionnaire.
Further information:
Changes to your work activities
If you change your work activities eg. a wet sales pub starts producing meals, you move from a home base to a commercial unit, add high risk foods such as meat products, to the food you offer for sale, you must tell us. We will then advise you on any new food safety measures you need to consider and may re-inspect/re-rate your premises.
The person signing the registration will be assumed to be the Food Business Operator (FBO) and is taking legal responsibility for ensuring the business complies with legislation. If things go wrong this individual may be held legally liable. If legal action is being considered officers will always check that registration details are correct.
WRS have powers under Section 16 of the Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1969 to formally request information on who owns the business. Failure to provide information on ownership is an offence.
The name, address of premises, telephone number and name of FBO have to be kept on a Public Register and provided on request to third parties, including HMRC and other public bodies.
Food premises changes of ownership
Registrations and Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) ratings are not inherited. If the business changes hands a new registration is required and the business will be subject to a new inspection and FHRS rating.
The name, address of premises, telephone number and name of FBO have to be kept on a Public Register and provided on request to third parties including Freedom of Information Act requests.