30 September, 2019

Frequently asked questions on the Food Safety Registry

We have already discussed on other occasions which are the food businesses that must be mandatorily entered in the Food Safety Registry, correctly designated as the General Food Safety Registry of Food Businesses and Foodstuffs (RGSEAA), as well as the registration procedure.

On this occasion, given the many questions our clients ask us about the Food Safety Registry, we will answer a few of the frequently-asked questions on the Food Safety Registry.

How long does the Food Safety Registry take?

The Food Safety Registry number issued by the Ministry of Health takes between 2 and 3 months. However, with proof of registration, which is obtained approximately 4 days later, you can start your business activity. This is not the case for businesses that are in direct contact with animals. These will have to wait for an inspector to go to the facilities and issue a favourable report, which can take between 1 and 2 months.

Which documentation is required for obtaining the RGSEAA?

Normally the files you should submit in digital form are: application, technical report describing the activity, Tax ID Code, deeds, payment of fees and food safety self-monitoring plan (Analysis of Hazards and Critical Control Points, APPCC).

Can the Ministry of Health reject a Food Safety Registration?

Yes. All businesses are subject to a food safety inspection of the facilities before the RGSEAA is accepted. After the inspection, a report will be issued for accepting the registration or for requesting improvements to the facilities, to the work methods or to the Analysis of Hazards and Critical Control Points (APPCC), a fairly common occurrence. The business then has a 3-month period, extendable by a further 3, to make the modifications and obtain the official registration.

Does a food business have to be registered for all of its activities?

Not always, since the authorization of certain categories includes others. For example, if the business makes products but also packages, stores and distributes them, it would only have to register in Production, Preparation and/or Processing.

In which category does a food business have to register to export to third countries?

If the business is only engaged in distribution, it has to be entered as a Distributor in the Food Safety Registry, but if it is already registered as a producer, this won’t be necessary.

Do restaurants and catering businesses have to register with the Food Safety Registry?

Restaurants that prepare and serve food and even do home delivery do not have to register. However, businesses that provide catering services do. In addition, whether or not they own facilities, they will have to adopt a food safety self-monitoring system (APPCC)

If the business sells directly to consumers, does it have to register for selling to wholesalers?

Only if the sales cease to be marginal and local.   At LegaleGo Nutrition, specialists in food safety consulting, we are at your disposal for any other consultation on how and when to register with the Food Safety Registry.