More than 7,000 takeaways and 8,000 restaurants in the UK have failed food hygiene inspections, according to a Guardian analysis of Food Standards Agency (FSA) data. The study of over 460,000 businesses found that almost 30,000 establishments (6.4%) received a failing grade, meaning they scored zero to two on the FSA's five-point scale.
The analysis reveals stark regional disparities. Newham in east London had the highest failure rate for takeaways, with 50.4% failing inspections. Other poorly performing areas included Edinburgh, Islington, Luton, and Ealing. In contrast, the Orkney Islands, north Devon, and South Ayrshire had the highest proportions of passing premises.
Scotland had the highest proportion of failing establishments overall at 10%, compared with 6% in England, 5% in Wales, and 2% in Northern Ireland. Wales made it mandatory for businesses to display their hygiene ratings in 2013, a move that led to significant improvements. Northern Ireland will introduce a similar policy in October.
Takeaways and sandwich shops were the worst-performing category, with 15% failing inspections. Schools, colleges, and universities had the best records, with fewer than 1% failing. Only 73 businesses in the UK received the worst possible score of zero.
Several branches of large chains were among those with a zero rating, including a Chopstix Noodle Bar in Liverpool, a Poundbakery and Poundcafe in the same city, and a Costcutter supermarket in Birmingham. All said they had closed temporarily to address hygiene concerns and have since reopened awaiting reassessment.
