READY TO SELL? · GLOBAL ROUTES

Test the product. Then check the legal path.

Choose your region to see official starting points for food-business registration, hygiene, labelling, inspections and readiness.

Important: ticking a box records your own progress only. AT THE CODE does not certify food safety, approve premises, issue hygiene ratings or grant permission to trade.

Where are you based?

Register with your local authority

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, many food businesses — including home and online businesses — must register at least 28 days before trading.

Official UK registration guidance

Set up food-safety procedures

Control hygiene, microbiological, chemical, physical and allergen risks and keep appropriate records.

UK food-business responsibilities

Check allergens and labels

Check ingredients, allergens and required food information before sale. Do not treat AI-generated labels as approved.

Official responsibilities

Prepare for inspection

Your local authority may inspect the business and assess food hygiene compliance.

Food hygiene ratings

Find your state and local regulator

State, county and city rules can be decisive, especially for retail, home and cottage-food businesses.

FDA state food-code directory

Check whether FDA rules apply

Some food facilities must register with FDA, while private residences and certain retail establishments may be exempt.

FDA start-a-food-business guide

Check labelling and allergens

Confirm federal and state requirements for ingredients, allergens and other mandatory information.

FDA food labelling

Confirm permits / inspection

Your local health department may require permits, inspection, plan review or an approved kitchen depending on the operation.

FDA regulator overview

Find your national food authority

EU rules provide a common framework, but national authorities handle registration, approvals and enforcement.

EU national authority links

Meet EU hygiene requirements

EU food businesses must meet hygiene requirements appropriate to the nature and size of the operation.

EU food hygiene

Apply HACCP-based controls

Food-business operators are expected to use HACCP principles, with flexibility depending on the business.

EU HACCP / hygiene

Check EU labelling

Prepacked food generally needs product name, ingredients, highlighted allergens, net quantity, date marking and other required information.

EU labelling guidance

Find your food authority

Identify the national and local government body responsible for registration, licensing, hygiene and inspections.

Check registration or licence requirements

Confirm the rules for home, online, mobile or commercial food businesses before trading.

Check food-safety, allergen and label rules

Use your regulator's official guidance and qualified technical advice for your specific product.

Confirm inspection and testing needs

Ask whether your premises, shelf life, laboratory evidence or process needs approval or validation before sale.

0 checks marked complete

Progress is saved on this device and does not change a product to “approved” or “safe to sell”.

Product testing: shelf-life, microbiological, process or temperature validation may be appropriate depending on the product. Ask the relevant authority or a qualified food technologist when unsure.

This page is an accountability and signposting tool. Requirements can vary by exact location, product type, packaging, process and route to market.