New plans to maintain high standards at food businesses in the Tendring district have been approved by council leaders.
Tendring District Council’s (TDC) 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.
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.
During 2025/26, the council’s Food Safety team 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 investigated to identify any patterns, clusters or possible links to food businesses.
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.
Adrian Smith, TDC’s 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.”
He added: “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.
