New food hygiene laws have applied in the UK since 1 January 2006 . They affect all food businesses, including caterers, primary producers (such as farmers), manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

How the legislation affects you will depend on the size and type of your business.

Most food businesses will need to register all of their premises with their local authority. This is now required under EU regulations, replacing previous national registration requirements. For more information on registering your premises with Tendring District Council, including an online registration form, please see our 'Register a Food Premises' page.

You'll find information about the legislation, and what it means for different food industry sectors on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) web site, this includes frequently asked questions and food safety management packs to help caterers comply with the legislation that you can download.

The Essex Food Group have produced a list of Food Hygiene Training Providers who run a variety of food hygiene training courses.

If you have any queries or would like information on whether your business should be registered as a food premises please contact Tendring District Council's Food team:

E-mail: environmental.services@tendringdc.gov.uk
Write to: Environmental Services, Council Offices, Thorpe Road, Weeley,
Essex, CO16 9AJ; or
telephone: 01255 686767