CONSUMERS are being exposed to an increased risk of food poisoning because of delays in food hygiene inspections, a BBC investigation has found.
Analysis shows one in five restaurants and takeaways had not been seen by food inspectors for more than two years.
One inspection carried out recently was at the Garden of India in Bush Fair. Mo and the team were very pleased to get a 5* rating.
Environmental health teams say a recruitment crisis and a backlog from the pandemic are behind the trend.
The public services union Unison said it was a “serious public health issue”.
A spokesman said: “Inspections are now so delayed that it’s perfectly possible for food businesses with shoddy hygiene practices to operate with little fear of ever being caught.”
The BBC’s findings come amid heightened food safety concerns following an E-coli outbreak in June linked to contaminated products.
Hospitality UK, which represents food and drink businesses, said three quarters of eateries gained the top hygiene rating score on their latest inspection.
“Despite the pressures the sector has faced in recent years, the safety of our customers remains non-negotiable,” a spokesman said.
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