Food Hygiene Backlog Cut By More Than 80 Per Cent On Isle Of Wight

The number of food premises overdue a hygiene inspection on the Isle of Wight has been slashed by over 80 per cent over the last few years.

County Hall has reduced the number of establishments behind schedule for a check up from 1,556 on February 25, 2021, to 251 on April 1, 2026.

Last year, 82 per cent of the businesses due a food hygiene inspection received one, according to the council.

As of April 1, the Island has 1,719 food premises, with 93 per cent ‘broadly compliant’ with the law – meaning they are rated three or above in the hygiene rating scheme.

A one rating indicates urgent improvement is necessary and five 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 per cent 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 (July 30).

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.