Approval of a premises supplying food of animal origin

Certain businesses supplying food of animal origin (meat, fish, egg and dairy products) to other businesses may need to be approved before they can trade.

The premises are approved under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

Some food establishments are approved by us, some by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). 

We deal with the approval of:

• meat establishments
• fish and shellfish establishments
• animal produce establishments

The FSA usually approves:

• slaughterhouses
• cutting plants
• game handling establishments
• wholesale meat markets

For more details, and for a list of approved food establishments, visit: FSA: Approved food establishments

Contact us if you need to discuss whether or not your business needs approval.

How to apply

To apply for approval under the above regulations you can download and complete the dedicated form:

• Application for Approval under EC Regulation 853-2004 (docx, 7 page(s), 63.66 KB)

You will need to provide details of your HACCP plan, a scale layout plan and a description of the proposed arrangements of your business.

We will contact you within 14 days of receipt of the completed application to arrange a site visit.

Food businesses must not start any business activity which requires approval unless they have received conditional or full approval for the proposed activity from us. Starting business without approval is an offence for which the business may be prosecuted.

Approved premises

Approved premises must be able to demonstrate that procedures are in place to manage food safety and that these procedures are based upon Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

We will issue your business with a unique approval number which makes up part of the standard identification mark. This mark must be applied to your products and documentation. This is in the form of an oval mark containing a unique approval number which ensures that the products are traceable back to your company.

You will then be added to the Food Standard Agency's list of approved establishments in the UK.

Refusal of approval

In the event of your application being refused, we will explain the reasons in writing and detail what is necessary to satisfy approval requirements. You will also be advised of your right of appeal to the Magistrates Court.

Contact us if you have any further questions about approved premises, the approval process or feel that your business may require approval.