Plans for cafés, restaurants, pubs and takeaways to be subject to food hygiene inspections, with ratings then published online will still go ahead despite a new Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister in charge.

Currently, there is no way for customers to find out how clean an eatery is in the island.

In England and Wales, there is a well-established food hygiene rating system in which establishments are rated from zero to five, with zero meaning ‘urgent improvement needed’ and five meaning ‘very good’.

But, in July, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) says a similar rating system will be introduced early next year. This means customers will soon have access to clear information about food hygiene standards when eating out.

However, in the interim, there has been an election with many new MHKs, a new Council of Ministers and a new DEFA Minister after Rachel Glover took over from Clare Barber who failed to get re-elected in September’s General Election.

Despite the new administration, plans to introduce the new food hygiene rating scheme remains on track.

A DEFA spokesperson said: ‘Preparations for the Isle of Man’s new Food Hygiene Scheme are continuing, with strong engagement from local food businesses during a dedicated period of preparation and support.

‘The minister will be considering the proposed implementation plan and the preparations undertaken so far, before confirming the next steps.

‘The new scheme will not change the food hygiene standards that businesses are currently expected to meet. It will use the Food Standards Agency inspection methodology, consistent with the Food Hygiene Rating Schemes operating in England and Wales, and will introduce the publication of inspections for the first time in the Isle of Man.’

DEFA says businesses have been given time and opportunities to get to grips with the new system before it is introduced.

The spokesperson said: ‘The department is focusing on helping businesses understand the scheme and prepare for its introduction, and more than 227 people representing at least 144 businesses, have attended a presentation or workshop and accessed support to date.

‘Businesses can continue to request individual advice from the Environmental Health Team. Support may also be available from the Department for Enterprise for some businesses.’

The new scheme will see more than 300 cafés, restaurants, takeaways and pubs serving meals inspected from early 2027, with results published online as inspections are carried out.

The scheme will mirror the system in England and Wales, using the same zero-to-five rating.

Eateries will be assessed on how food is handled, the condition and cleanliness of their premises and whether management systems are in place to maintain standards.

All businesses covered by the scheme will be inspected during early 2027, ensuring a level playing field regardless of when they would normally be due a routine inspection.

In Wales, businesses must display their rating regardless of the score, but the island will follow England's model, where displaying it is discretionary.