Residents and visitors across Tendring can be reassured that keeping food outlets safe remains a top priority, after updated plans to maintain high standards were approved by Tendring District Council (TDC) leaders.

TDC’s Cabinet has adopted a refreshed Food & Safety Service Plan for 2026–27 alongside a new Enforcement Policy, setting out how the council will inspect, support and regulate food businesses across the district.

The approved plans reflect the latest national guidance and legislation and outline how the council will continue to protect public health while helping local businesses meet required standards.

Councillor Adrian Smith, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “People rightly expect that the food they buy and eat in Tendring is safe, whether they are visiting a restaurant, picking up a takeaway or shopping locally.

“These updated plans show the work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure that happens – protecting residents, supporting businesses and maintaining high standards across the district.

“Our teams take a practical, common-sense approach, working with businesses wherever possible, but we will always take action where there are risks to public health.”

The importance of this work is shown by the cases investigated by the council’s Food Safety team each year. During 2025/26, the service received 72 formal notifications of infectious disease, many of them linked to foodborne illness.

While the source is often unknown — and some cases may be linked to travel abroad or food prepared at home — officers investigate to identify any patterns, clusters or possible links to food businesses.

There are around 1,275 food premises across Tendring, all of which fall within the council’s inspection programme, with a significant number of new businesses registering each year, which need to be registered and risk rated accordingly.

Around 80 per cent of food establishments in Tendring hold the top hygiene rating of five, meaning “very good”, while just 21 premises — around 1.65 per cent — are rated zero, where urgent improvement is needed.

The council takes part in the Food Standards Agency’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, helping residents make informed choices and encouraging businesses to improve their standards.

The Service Plan covers risk-based inspections, complaints, food sampling, safety alerts and outbreaks.

The updated Enforcement Policy sets out how the council will respond when standards are not met, from advice and guidance through to formal action where needed.

This will ensure that well-run businesses are supported, while firm action can be taken where public health is at risk.

The Food Standards Agency has also praised the council’s progress in improving inspection performance and tackling historic backlogs despite staffing challenges.