Starting a food business checklist

Use this checklist as a guide to make sure that your new business is safe and complies with food law

Aproned worker making business calculations in a warehouse

Registering your food business

Whether you're setting up a new food business or taking over an existing one, we're here to help you make sure it's safe and complies with the law. We're also here to help your business to encourage healthier eating across Scotland.

Basic requirements

At least 28 days before you start trading, you need to:

  • find out if your business needs to be registered, approved or if exemptions apply
  • if required, register with the environmental health service at your local authority

Don't forget

You must register your business at least 28 days before you start trading. Read our guide to registering your business for more information.

Setting up your food business

Once your business has been registered, you need to work with your local authority to make sure your business will comply with legal regulations. Below are the steps you need to consider when setting up your food business:

Legislation details

Once you have established whether you need to register, or apply for approval, you should work with your local authority to ensure you are able to comply with the legal requirements and prepare safe food.

All food businesses, regardless of size, location or type of food must be aware of the food law that is relevant to their food business. Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring the food you produce is safe as it is illegal to place unsafe food on the market.

You may wish to consider the following legislation when setting up your business:

Running a food business

Business guidance

A make and female member of kitchen staff are cleaning food preparation areas with soap and a cloth

We’re here to help you make sure the food you produce, deliver and sell is safe to eat and is what it says it is.

Running a food business

Industry-specific advice

Business guidance

A heard of brown cows stand in a line next to a fence in a field with some trees behind.

Whatever food industry you're in, our expert guidance will help you follow food and feed law.

Industry-specific advice
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