Approved premises
Under Regulation (EC) No. 853/2004 EC Regulation 852/2004 - hygiene of foodstuffs and 852/2004 EC Regulation 853/2004 - specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin food business establishments may require approval if they intend to handle "products of animal origin", like fresh meat, raw minced meat, raw milk, eggs, shellfish and fish to produce any, or any combination, of the following:
- minced meat
- meat preparations
- mechanically separated meat
- meat products
- live Bi Valve Molluscs
- fishery products
- raw milk (other than raw cows' milk)
- dairy products
- eggs (not primary production)
- egg products
- frogs legs and snails
- rendered animal fats and greaves
- treated stomachs, bladders and intestines
- gelatine and collagen
- certain cold stores
- certain wholesale markets
If you think your business may require approval we recommend you contact your local food and safety team to discuss this at an early stage. There are some exemption to the need for approval which the officers can assess and provide you with clear guidance on whether approval is required and the process.
Apply for approval
If your food business requires approval there are a number of requirements that need to be followed. To apply for approval please contact your local food and safety team. You cannot operate until your food establishment has received a full or conditional approval issued by us. There is no fee.
Once application is made and a site visit undertaken officers will assess compliance and issue conditional or full approval. Every approved premises is issued with a unique approval number which must be applied to all products handled in the establishment that are subject to approval.
Will tacit consent apply?
No, it is in the public interest that we must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from us within a reasonable period, please contact your local food and safety team.