Tendring District Council’s Cabinet has adopted a refreshed Food & Safety Service Plan for 2026-27 and a new Enforcement Policy, setting out how food businesses will be inspected and regulated across the district. The move, approved at a meeting on 29 June, comes ahead of the peak summer tourist season, when the area sees a significant influx of visitors. The council said the plan reflects the latest Food Standards Agency guidance and legislation.
Around 1,275 food premises operate across Tendring, all of which fall within the council’s inspection programme. Roughly 80 per cent of them hold the top five-star hygiene rating, while just 21 premises – about 1.65 per cent – are rated zero, meaning urgent improvement is needed. During 2025/26, the council’s Food Safety team dealt with 72 formal notifications of infectious disease, many linked to foodborne illness. Councillor Adrian Smith, Portfolio Holder for Environment, stressed that teams take a practical approach, working with businesses where possible but acting decisively when public health is at risk.
The new plan covers risk-based inspections, complaints handling, food sampling, safety alerts and outbreak management. A significant number of new food businesses register each year, and each must be risk-rated as part of the inspection programme. The Food Standards Agency has previously praised the council for improving its inspection performance and tackling historic backlogs despite staffing challenges. Tendring District Council also takes part in the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, which allows residents to check scores online before they eat out. Independent platform Scores on the Doors shows 1,280 premises currently registered with the council.
The updated Enforcement Policy outlines a graduated response when standards fall short, ranging from advice and guidance to formal action where public health is at risk. The Food Safety team investigates reported cases of infectious disease to identify patterns or possible links to food businesses, although some cases may be connected to travel abroad or food prepared at home. The council’s ongoing work aims to maintain high standards as the district welcomes visitors during the summer months.
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