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 25th February 2021, to 251 on 1st April 2026.
Backlog cut by over 80 per cent
Last year, 82 per cent of the businesses due a food hygiene inspection received one, according to the council.
Most premises now compliant
As of 1st April 2026, 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.
New businesses remain a gap
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.
Plans for 2026/27
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 (30th July 2026).
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.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
