Southend is set to approve its ‘Food & Feed’ Safety Plan for 2026-27.
This explains how the council will help keep food for human consumption - and animal feed - safe and protect public health across the seaside city.
The Feed and Food Control Service Plan for 2026-27 has been prepared in line with Food Standards Agency requirements and outlines the Food Team's priorities for the year ahead, as well as the work completed during 2025-26.
A key part of this work is carrying out routine inspections of more than 1,500 food businesses across the city, based on the level of risk they pose.
Councillor Irene Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:
"Southend has more than 1,500 food businesses, and much of the Environmental Health team's work happens behind the scenes. Their efforts help ensure that residents and visitors can have confidence that food sold across our seaside city is safe. Whether that is enjoying a fish and chips across the seafront, or many other restaurants and cafes.
"This annual plan sets out how the team will continue to meet its legal responsibilities while supporting businesses and protecting public health."
Through the food hygiene rating scheme, residents can have confidence in the food premises they use. As we have a number of food manufacturers whose products are sold outside of the city, the impact of their work is not just in Southend. 94% of the premises included in the scheme scored a 5/5 and can be viewed at Search a local authority area - Southend-On-Sea | Food Hygiene Ratings
For more information on the work of the Food Safety team, or to make a complaint regarding a food business, please see Food safety – Southend-on-Sea City Council.