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 ..
Appalling it got to that stage.
Maybe the Council employees have been
shirking from home.
Before I rant. The island itself is a beautiful place
it is sad that it is run by INCOMPETENT people.
Another FAILED public sector service on the island
how did it ever get to that stage in the first place
if a service is struggling go to your superior or Island MP
it is disgraceful that persons could be eating from filth holes.
Many care homes are a disgrace on the island, Hospital services
are poor on the island, majority of treatment needs to be carried
out on the mainland.
There are hardly any cycle lanes on the island.
There are no speed Camera’s on the island.
THE MILITARY ROAD IS A LAWLESS JOKE
Everyday vehicles drive at 80mph+ overtaking law
abiding motorists risking innocent motorists lives.
Vehicles are allowed to park on pavements and
double yellow lines.
Vehicles drive freely around the island for months with
NO MOTs
WHO POLICE’S SUCH LAWLESSNESS!
“IT IS OBVIOUS THE DVLA SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING”
Hence Khan to run the island, he would clean up and
make island roads safe
20mph is plenty
We would have camera’s everywhere, cycle lanes everywhere.
What a safe wonderful island this would be.
At present the best thing about the island is
Isle of Wight tomato’s.
Honestly the cockle at island harbour should be checked i spoke to a maintenance guy there the other day said the place is disgusting he said mouldy and out of date food there he was working on the floor in the kitchen and they saw everything
as always island harbour disasters get away with things hopefully someone reports them to food hygiene