More than 7,000 takeaways and 8,000 restaurants across the UK have failed food hygiene inspections, according to a Guardian analysis of Food Standards Agency (FSA) data. The study, covering over 460,000 food businesses, found that nearly 30,000 establishments (6.4%) received a failing grade, meaning they are dirty or have poor procedures.
The FSA uses a rating system from zero to five, with zero indicating urgent improvement is needed and scores of zero to two considered a fail. Takeaways and sandwich shops performed worst, with 15% failing, while schools, colleges, and universities had the best record, with less than 1% failing.
Huge regional disparities exist. Newham in east London had the highest failure rate for takeaways at 50.4%, meaning customers were more likely to enter a failed takeaway than one that passed. Other areas with high takeaway failure rates include Epsom and Ewell (46.2%), Edinburgh (38.2%), Manchester (34%), Birmingham (33.8%), and Islington (32.2%).
Scotland has the highest proportion of failing establishments overall at 10%, compared to 6% in England, 5% in Wales, and 2% in Northern Ireland. Wales made it mandatory for businesses to display hygiene scores in 2013, leading to significant improvements, while Northern Ireland will introduce a similar policy on 7 October. England and Scotland do not require display.
Several branches of large chains currently hold the worst possible score of zero, including a Chopstix Noodle Bar in Liverpool, a Poundbakery and Poundcafe in Liverpool, the Adelphi hotel (part of Britannia Hotels), and a Costcutter in Birmingham. These branches have temporarily closed to address hygiene issues and await re-inspection.
Businesses with a zero rating are not automatically shut down but must address urgent concerns within 28 days. They can pay £160 for reassessment or wait for a routine follow-up inspection.
