Food Businesses Approval

If you operate a business handling any of the following products of animal origin, and you supply these products to other businesses, you may require approval from us to trade:

• fishery products
• shellfish
• dairy products
• meat products
• minced meat and meat preparations, eg – sausages and burgers
• eggs

The activities carried out in approved establishments are more strictly governed and require a higher standard of structure and operating procedures.

You cannot operate until approval or conditional approval is granted.

Exemptions may apply depending on the exact processes taking place, and the extent of the supply to other businesses.  Please contact Environmental Services for advice on whether approval is required.

If your activities involve the slaughter, cutting and packing of raw fresh meat you should contact Food Standards Scotland who are the competent authority in those cases.

How to apply

Local businesses should contact Environmental Services to request an application form.

Can anyone object?

Public objections are not permitted. We will only approve your application if you comply with the regulations and have the correct planning permission in place.

Cost

There is no charge for submitting an application

What happens next

If your business requires to be approved, we will:

• send you an application form
• discuss with you requirements and documentation to accompany your application

Once approved, or conditionally approved, you will be issued with a unique identification number. Products must be labelled with this number before being placed on the market for sale.

Food Standards Scotland maintains a list of approved premises in Scotland.

Telling us about any changes

When approval is granted a Notification of Approval is issued listing the specific activities which the establishment is approved to carry out as well as the specific species of product of animal origin the establishment is approved to handle.

If the business changes hands, or is altered in any way, or you want to make additional products, you must let us know as you might need further approval.