UK Food Agencies Sound Alarm Over Safety Inspection Resources

The report underscores figures that set off alarm bells. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, a staggering 95,000 inspections are overdue—among them, 871 high‑risk businesses,  Scotland fares no better: nearly 17% of registered food businesses remain unrated as of December 2024. Despite increasing inspection rates, local authorities are trapped in a catch‑up cycle, struggling to clear pandemic-era backlogs.

The root cause, according to the report, lies in workforce erosion: “20% of all total allocated food safety roles were unavailable or vacant” in Scotland by the end of 2024. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland saw slight staffing recoveries, but not enough to quell shortages. A decade-long decline in local food hygiene posts—over 14% in some areas—has weakened the system’s very foundation

Hiring more inspectors hasn’t been a straightforward win. The report acknowledges that many new hires are still in training, lacking the full experience needed to independently carry out risk-based inspections . Retention is another major hurdle. Competent officers are in high demand, and local authorities often lose them to other departments—not to mention pressures from non–food–safety duties.

Experts warn of the deeper implication here: a poorly staffed inspection system doesn't just threaten consumer health; it erodes the food sector’s level playing field, letting bad actors slip through unchecked

Despite the setbacks, there are bright spots. According to the report, 9 out of 10 businesses participating in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme maintain a rating of “satisfactory” or better. Meat and dairy sectors also held strong: approved meat facilities across the UK largely comply with hygiene rules, and dairy farms boast compliance rates between 98.7% and 99.9%

But those wins are under threat. The real concern? Without sustained resources and a steady workforce, the very systems that enforce these standards could crumble.

The 2024 report also noted broader food safety challenges. Resources for sampling programs (like allergen testing and food authenticity) have dropped below pre-pandemic levels—a worrying trend given that labeling issues remain a top source of food non-compliance

Compounding that is the threat posed by global supply chains. With post-Brexit border check delays and underfunded port inspections, risks like contaminated imports (e.g., diseased poultry and Salmonella outbreaks) become more alarming

The FSA/FSS “Our Food 2024” report is a sobering reminder: UK food safety isn’t guaranteed—it depends on people, systems, and funding. Despite high compliance levels, the cracks are showing in the infrastructure meant to ensure they stay that way.

Addressing this means governments must invest in frontline inspectors and technologies, while food businesses and consumers stay informed and demanding safe, well-regulated food.

So the next time you check a restaurant door for its food hygiene sticker, remember: that rating reflects more than kitchen cleanliness—it reflects the health of an entire system. And that system needs our attention and support.