Food safety

Our food inspectors routinely visit all registered food premises to make sure they meet the required food safety requirements.

New food allergen labelling

From 1 October 2021, the requirements for prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) food labelling will change.

Check the new food allergen requirements

Apply to be registered as a food premises 

Registration of a food business establishment from London Borough of Barnet

You need to be registered with the Barnet Council if you store, prepare, distribute or sell food on premises as a business in Barnet. Premises include restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, canteens, market stalls, mobile catering vans and food delivery vans.

Registration applies to most types of food business, including catering businesses run from home and mobile or temporary premises, such as stalls and vans.

There's no charge for registration. Once you are registered you only need to notify us of a change of proprietor or if the nature of the business changes. 

Food businesses must apply for registration 28 days before starting their business. Registration cannot be refused. Once the registration application is received the details will be recorded on the public register within 28 days. Following registration your business will be subject to inspection.

Inspections of food premises

The purpose of an inspection is to make sure that the food is being handled and produced hygienically and that staff are trained in food hygiene and handling. If you have not heard from us by the end of the 28-day period you can assume your registration is satisfactory. It does not mean that your business meets the standards laid out in the legislation. This will be determined at your first inspection.

Food Safety inspections

Barnet Council's team of Environmental Health Officers and Food Safety Officers has the right to enter and inspect any food premises and any food found on that premises at all reasonable hours. Our aim is to protect the public from any health risk associated with the food they eat.

We do not have to make appointments and will visit businesses on a programmed basis or because we have received a complaint. The frequency of our inspections will generally depend on potential food safety risks and how effectively they are controlled.

Complaints about food premises in Barnet

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If the trader is uncooperative or the matter is serious please contact us using the details below.

Contacts

Food Safety Services
2 Bristol Avenue
Colindale
London 
NW9 4EW

Tel: 020 8359 7995

Email: foodsafety@barnet.gov.uk