Foods from animals are a hotspot for harmful microorganisms, creating the perfect environment for contamination that can have severe, even dangerous consequences. Because of this, businesses dealing with food of animal origin face much stricter hygiene, processing, and traceability regulations, all enforced through something called Food Business Operator Approval.
But what exactly is Food Business Operator Approval, and why should you care? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what it means, why it’s crucial, and the clear steps to secure your approval and keep your business safe and compliant.
What is Food Business Operator Approval?
It’s the official green light from your local council that lets you legally prepare, handle, and sell food products of animal origin — like meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Does my business require Food Business Operator Approval?
Businesses that process or handle certain foods of animal origin—such as slaughtering, dressing, or cutting fresh meat, and supplies these products to other food businesses, you will generally need to obtain approval.
However, establishments that handle foods of animal origin and sell directly to the final consumer (the public) are usually exempt from this requirement. Businesses that supply both the public and other food businesses might also qualify for an exemption. Because rules can vary, it’s important to check with your local authority to confirm what applies to your specific situation.
Approval is not required if an establishment uses processed animal products with plant-based foods (e.g. sandwiches made with cooked meats, salad, and bread). However, cooking raw meat on-site does require approval.
Foods of animal origin subject to approval include:
- Fresh meat, minced meat, and meat preparations (like raw sausages, burgers, kebabs)
- Mechanically separated meat and meat products
- Live bivalve molluscs and fishery products
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs and egg products
- Frogs’ legs and snails
- Rendered animal fats and greases
- Treated stomachs, bladders, and intestines
- Gelatine and collagen
For the full list of establishments requiring approval, visit the Food Standards Agency website.
Still unsure if your business needs approval? Give us a call, our experienced consultants are here to offer you free, tailored advice.
When should I apply?
If your food establishment requires Food Business Operator Approval under EC Regulation 853/2004, you must obtain this approval from the local authorities before you start trading. Selling or placing food on the market without approval is illegal in the UK and can lead to prosecution.
Keep in mind, approval can take time, so it’s important to apply well in advance. Waiting to appeal or request approval after you’ve started trading won’t work, as processing and approval must be completed beforehand.
Steps to obtain a Food Business Operator Approval
Once you’ve confirmed that your establishment requires Food Business Operator Approval, here’s what you need to do next
1. Create a bespoke Food Safety Management System tailored to your business operation
By law, all food businesses must follow an up-to-date Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. HACCP is a key part of your overall Food Safety Management System (FSMS), which covers every aspect of food safety, including employee training, cleaning schedules, supplier audits, documentation, and continuous improvement. Together, these elements provide a complete picture of your business’s food safety.
While free FSMS templates are available online, your system must be tailored specifically to your unique operations. A bespoke FSMS clearly details your individual procedures, making it a practical guide your staff can rely on for food safety support and to address any questions.
It’s often beneficial to have a food safety professional create your FSMS for you. Their expertise ensures your system meets all legal requirements and is perfectly aligned with your business needs, saving you time and reducing risks.
2. Completing the Food Business Operator Approval application
To obtain Food Business Operator Approval, your local authority needs detailed information about your business operations. Visit your local authority’s website to download the Food Business Operator Approval application form.
When submitting your application, be sure to include all supporting food safety documents, such as your bespoke Food Safety Management System (FSMS), to help the local authority thoroughly assess your application and expedite the approval process.
3. On-site inspection
After you submit your application and supporting documents, a member of the local authority’s food safety team will contact you to confirm whether your business requires Food Business Operator Approval. They will also arrange an on-site inspection to review your premises, systems, procedures, and documentation, ensuring everything meets the legal requirements specific to your type of business.
4. Decision notification
Local authorities must notify you of their decision within 28 days of the inspection, although this is often sooner if the outcome is clear. The decision will be one of the following:
- Fail: if your establishment does not meet the necessary requirements, such as infrastructure or equipment, approval will be refused. You cannot legally trade, and starting or continuing to trade without approval is an offence that may lead to prosecution.
- Full Approval: if all legal requirements are met, you will receive full approval. You’ll be assigned an approval number and listed on the Food Standards Agency approval database, allowing you to begin trading legally.
- Conditional Approval- if your establishment meets all infrastructure and equipment requirements but does not fully comply with other relevant standards, you may receive conditional approval. This allows you to operate while addressing outstanding issues. A follow-up inspection will occur within 3 months to check progress. If satisfactory improvements have been made but full compliance is not yet achieved, conditional approval may be extended up to 6 months from the date conditional approval was given. If the necessary legal requirements are still unmet after this period, approval will be refused, and you must re-apply once the issues are resolved.
5. What if my application is refused and approval is not granted?
If your application is refused, the local authority will provide you with a written notice explaining the specific reasons for the refusal. This notice will also outline the actions you need to take in order to meet the necessary legal and food safety requirements to qualify for approval.
You have the right to appeal the decision if you believe it was unfair or incorrect. Appeals must be formally submitted to the local Magistrates Court within one month from the date of the written refusal.
During the appeal process, you may also want to seek advice or assistance from a food safety professional to help address the issues raised and improve your chances of approval.
6. Maintaining your approval
Food Business Operator Approval isn’t a one-time achievement—you must continually demonstrate compliance with all legal requirements every day. Approval can be suspended or withdrawn at any time if you fail to maintain the necessary standards. However, once issues are resolved, approval can be reinstated.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let Complete Food Safety take the load off!
Managing Food Business Operator Approval and all the food safety requirements can feel like a lot to handle in-house. With over 15 years of experience supporting food businesses just like yours, Complete Food Safety is here to get you up and running quickly and stress-free.
Whether you need help with the entire process or just a specific part, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Note: If you produce food of animal origin intended for animal feed, you will need to obtain a separate approval.