Orkney tops Scotland for food safety . . . again

June 21, 2018 at 1:38 pm

Orkney has been named as the local authority area with the highest food safety standards in Scotland, for the third time in the last five years.

Orkney has the highest food safety standards in Scotland, according to a recent survey by consumer group Which?.

This is the third time in the last five years Orkney that has taken the top spot in Scotland, having also come out on top in 2014 and 2017 — with the county coming in second the other two years.

Which? analysed all the local authorities in the UK using data submitted to Food Standards Scotland and ranked them based on the timeliness of inspections and the quality of premises inspected. Orkney topped the table in Scotland and was placed tenth in the UK as a whole.

While is the responsibility of businesses to make sure they are meeting hygiene standards, local authorities play an important role in ensuring food safety compliance, with enforcement overseen by the Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland.

Chairman of Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Graham Sinclair, said the results demonstrate constructive working between the Council’s Environmental Health team and the local business community:

“We’re delighted yet again to see Orkney feature at the top of this survey.

“This consistency speak volumes not only about the quality of the advice and guidance the council team provides, but also the commitment of local businesses to their food safety responsibilities and on providing safe premises and products for their customers.

“It reflects very well on Orkney and on the quality eating and dining out experience for locals and visitors alike. Everyone involved in these results is to be congratulated.”