Government Set to U-turn On Food Hygiene Rating System

It looks like the Manx Government has changed its tune on introducing a food hygiene rating system.

Just last November, Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber told Tynwald that such a scheme was ‘not practical’ and could be ‘unfair and damaging to businesses’, adding that there weren’t enough qualified food hygiene inspectors on the island to make it work.

Instead, she launched a ‘food safety assurance programme’ focused on education, workshops, and guidance for food businesses rather than a public rating system.

But now, Mrs Barber is due to update Tynwald with what sounds like a major rethink.

In her latest statement, she admits: ‘It has become clear that the work undertaken by the Environmental Health team in good faith, combined with a number of targeted Freedom of Information requests has led to a situation that is not sustainable.’

She said the department has ‘recommenced work to explore non-statutory models used in other jurisdictions, where food hygiene performance information is made publicly available at appropriate times and in appropriate detail.’

The aim, she added, is to ‘balance public interest with the need to support businesses… without fear that early engagement could reflect negatively on their reputation.’

If reintroduced, the scheme would likely resemble the UK’s system, with restaurants, pubs, cafés and supermarkets inspected and scored from zero (urgent improvement needed) to five (very good).

Mrs Barber said: ‘The overall objective of the Environmental Health team’s commitment to food safety is to help, support and incentivise food business operators to achieve and maintain high standards of food hygiene… and to provide customers with confidence that poor practices are identified and addressed.’

A new rating system could be in place as early as mid-2026, alongside continued education and inspection support for the island’s 1,800+ food businesses.

Mrs Barber also confirmed that a dedicated officer will visit premises ahead of formal inspections to ‘offer advice and assistance’ – part of what she called a ‘proactive, supportive approach’ to food safety.

‘We expect this approach will be well received and lead to further improvements and positive action from businesses, ultimately improving safety for consumers,’ she added.

Looks like those hygiene stars might be coming to Manx windows after all.