The number of food premises overdue a hygiene inspection on the Isle of Wight has been slashed by over 80% over the last few years.
County Hall has reduced the number of establishments behind schedule for a check-up from 1,556 in February 2021, to 251 as of April this year.
Last year, 82% of the businesses due a food hygiene inspection received one, according to the council.
As of 1st April, the Island has 1,719 food premises, with 93% ‘broadly compliant’ with the law – meaning they are rated three or above in the hygiene rating scheme.
A 1-rating indicates urgent improvement is necessary and 5 means standards are very good and fully comply with the law.
There has also been a reduction in unrated premises from 354 to 86.
Despite progress, the council says it is ‘failing’ to inspect new businesses within a timely manner and that without any prior approval or licence these outlets pose a risk.
In addition, the local authority says a resource deficit remains, compounded by a national shortage of qualified officers.
For 2026/27, County Hall plans 843 food hygiene interventions, representing delivery of 77% of all due interventions, and 390 food standards interventions with full coverage targeted for the highest-risk categories.
Councillors on the environment and community protection committee are due to consider the Food Hygiene and Standards Intervention Programme for 2026/27 on Thursday evening (30th July).
A committee report says:
“Over recent years, the council has significantly reduced overdue inspections and achieved 82 per cent of its 2025/26 inspection target, reflecting continued improvement in service performance.”
The proposed programme prioritises higher-risk, unrated and non-compliant premises, the document states.
That’s good ..