Food Hygiene Approvals and Approved Premises

Food Hygiene Approval Summary

If you operate a certain type of food premises such as a meat processing plant you may need to be approved by your Council. This is in addition to the normal requirement to register as a food business.

Examples of types of premises that are required to be approved by local authorities are stand alone (i.e. not attached to a slaughter house, cutting plant or game handling establishment) premises of the following nature:

  • meat processing plants
  • meat preparation plants
  • minced meat processing operations and mechanically separated meat processing plants
  • cold stores


Note the above is NOT an exhaustive list and you should consult the Commercial Team within the Environmental Health Service to determine whether your food business will require approval.

Who Can Apply?

There are no restrictions as to the individuals who may apply for approval.


What legislation governs this application?

A summary of the regulations relating to approval

Further guidance on European Hygiene Legislation.

Do I have to pay an application fee?

There is no fee payable for this application. How long will it take to process my application and will implied consent apply? Your application will take up to 28 days to process. Implied consent will not apply. It is in the public interest that the Council must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from the local Council within 28 days please contact us.

Please note that it is an offence to operate a food business which requires approval without the requisite approval being in place.

Apply or alternatively a copy of the application form can be provided to you on request.

Can I appeal if my application is unsuccessful?

Please contact the Commercial Team within the Environmental Health Service in the first instance regarding any returned or refused registration applications.

Consumer Complaint

Should you wish to make a complaint please contact the Commercial Team within the Environmental Health Service.

Additional Advice For Food Business Operators in respect of Approved Premises applications

Further information in relation to the approvals process can be obtained from the Commercial Team within the Environmental Health Service. Advice and a list of the current premises subject to approval within the UK including those within the Blaenau Gwent area is also available at Food.gov.uk.

Contact Information

Commercial Team
Telephone Number: 01495 357813
Address:  Public Protection – Environmental Health, General Offices, Steelworks Road, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6DN
Email Address: environmental.health@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk