Food Establishment EU Approval

Establishments that produce, process, or store food of animal origin (slaughterhouses, butcher shops, dairies, fish processors, egg packing centres) require EU approval under Regulation (EC) No 853/2004. This goes beyond the standard food business registration and involves a thorough inspection of premises and processes.

You apply at the veterinary and food inspection office (Veterinäramt) of your district. The authority inspects your facility for compliance with the specific hygiene requirements in the regulation's annexes, covering building layout, equipment, temperature control, HACCP procedures, and traceability. After approval, your establishment receives an EU identification mark (Zulassungsnummer) that must appear on all products. The approval can be conditional initially, allowing you to begin operations while completing final adjustments within a set timeframe.