Food Hygiene Results in Orkney Islands

472 food businesses inspected under the Scottish Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS). 96.8% have a Pass result.

472
Businesses
360
Pass
12
Improvement Required
96.8%
Pass Rate

Inspection results

Pass96.8%360
Improvement Required3.2%12
Pass & Eat Safe0.0%0

Business types

Restaurant/Cafe/Canteen10221.6%
Retailers - other7916.7%
Other catering premises7315.5%
Hotel/bed & breakfast/guest ho5411.4%
School/college/university408.5%
Manufacturers/packers347.2%
Mobile caterer265.5%
Caring Premises173.6%

Food hygiene in Orkney Islands is assessed under the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS), which is used in Scotland instead of the 0-5 numerical rating used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Under the FHIS, businesses receive one of two outcomes: 'Pass', meaning the business meets food hygiene standards, or 'Improvement Required', meaning the business needs to make changes to comply. Some businesses may also receive a 'Pass and Eat Safe' award, indicating consistently high standards.

Orkney Islands has 472 registered food businesses. Of these, 360 have received a Pass result, while 12 have been told improvement is required. Environmental health officers from the local council carry out inspections, assessing how food is handled, prepared, and stored, the physical condition of the premises, and how food safety is managed by the business.

Scottish food businesses are legally required to display their FHIS result. If you see an 'Improvement Required' notice, the business must take action before their next inspection. You can check the latest status of any food business on the Food Standards Scotland website.

Data last updated: March 14, 2026

Establishments requiring improvement

NameAddressRatingDate
Argo's BakeryKW16 3BSImprovement RequiredSep 03, 2024
Buster's DinerKW15 1JZImprovement RequiredMar 31, 2025
Curry KirkwallKW15 1HRImprovement RequiredMay 08, 2025
Empire Chinese RestaurantKW15 1ARImprovement RequiredNov 05, 2025
Harbour FryKW15 1HRImprovement RequiredMar 19, 2025
Indian GardenKW15 1AGImprovement RequiredOct 27, 2025
Pomona Guest House and CafeKW15 1HPImprovement RequiredApr 03, 2025
Stromness Chinese TakeawayKW16 3BSImprovement RequiredSep 30, 2025
The Albert HotelKW15 1HWImprovement RequiredMar 31, 2025
The Merkister HotelKW17 2LFImprovement RequiredMay 12, 2025
The Pier Bistro and TakeawayKW16 3AAImprovement RequiredMay 06, 2025
The Smithy Cafe RestaurantKW17 2DXImprovement RequiredJun 06, 2025

Frequently asked questions

How many food businesses in Orkney Islands have a Pass rating?+

There are currently 360 food businesses in Orkney Islands with a Pass result under the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS), meaning they meet the required food hygiene standards.

What does 'Improvement Required' mean in Orkney Islands?+

'Improvement Required' under the Scottish FHIS means the food business did not fully meet food hygiene standards at the time of inspection. The business must take action to address the issues found. This is different from the 0-5 rating used in England and Wales. The business will be re-inspected to check that improvements have been made.

How often are food businesses inspected in Orkney Islands?+

In Scotland, food business inspection frequency is risk-based. Businesses with an 'Improvement Required' result will be re-inspected sooner, typically within a few months. Businesses with a Pass result and good track record may be inspected every 1-3 years depending on the type and risk level of the business.

Data from official government food safety agencies