99 per cent of Northumberland food businesses meet hygiene standards

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Nearly all food businesses in Northumberland meet high hygiene standards, according to new council figures.

Nearly all food businesses in Northumberland are meeting high hygiene standards, according to figures from Northumberland County Council's updated Food and Feed, Safety and Standards Service Plan 2026/27. Some 99 per cent of the more than 3,700 food premises in the county hold a food hygiene rating of three to five stars, classed as satisfactory to very good. More than 1,700 feed hygiene businesses, primarily farms, are also inspected to ensure proper standards.

All premises are subject to routine inspections based on their risk category. Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member for public safety, said: "Our Public Protection Service works incredibly hard so we can have confidence in the high level of food safety and hygiene in Northumberland. However, this is a partnership, and we must praise our local businesses for taking on board our advice and guidance."

In 2025/26, the council received 704 infectious disease notifications from the UK Health and Security Agency, leading to 185 investigations and several food poisoning outbreak inquiries. The public protection service responded to 1,242 requests for advice and 377 complaints regarding hygiene and standards. The council prioritises working with businesses to raise standards, taking enforcement action when necessary.

How it is being reported

• Plan adopted to ensure Northumberland’s food safety standards remain highAn updated food service plan has been adopted by Northumberland County Council.Morpeth Herald · 12 Oct, 16:39
• 99 per cent of Northumberland food businesses meet hygiene standardsNearly all food businesses in Northumberland are meeting high hygiene standards, according to new figures from Northumberland County Council.Hexham Courant · 11 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Northumberland County Council · Northumberland · Gordon Stewart · UK Health and Security Agency

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