If you run any food business in Zambia, whether a restaurant, takeaway, grocery, bakery or bar, you must obtain a health permit from your local council's public health department. This is separate from your trading licence and is a legal requirement to operate.
Steps to follow:
- Contact your council's public health department and submit an application with your business and premises details, your PACRA registration, and a copy of your trading licence.
- A health inspector will visit your premises to check your kitchen layout, ventilation, drainage, water supply, waste disposal and storage, and staff hygiene standards.
- Address any issues the inspector identifies.
- Pay the permit fee (confirm the current amount with your council, as fees are set per council and adjusted annually) and collect your health permit.
- Ensure your food handlers have medical and food-handler certificates where required.
What to bring: Your PACRA registration certificate, business registration documents, and proof of staff medical/food-handler certificates if applicable. Allow the inspector full access to your premises.
Remember that the health permit is distinct from your business levy and fire certificate, and you cannot legally operate a food business without it. Permits normally renew annually. [Public Health Act; Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019]