Brentwood Council and the Food Standards Agency are urging people planning to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special meal to check out their chosen restaurants in advance.

The Food Standards Agency is urging diners to 'look before you book' and check the food hygiene rating before deciding where to go on your special date.

It’s really simple to check.

Just go online to the Food Standard Agency’s website: www.food.gov.uk/ratings or if you’re out and about look for the green and black sticker; if you can’t see one just ask the staff.

The ratings are determined by local authority food safety officers and range from 0 to 5, with a 5 rating meaning very good food hygiene standards.

Within the Brentwood Borough 97.31% of food businesses are rated 3 or higher so there are plenty of places with good standards and you can easily avoid taking your special date to those not meeting the grade.

Brentwood Borough Council's spokesperson for Environmental Health, Councillor Ross Carter, said: "When planning your special meal out, make sure you check the hygiene ratings online and choose a restaurant that takes food hygiene seriously.

This is also an important time for local food businesses as a good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of. It matters to customers so we are encouraging all businesses in Brentwood to display their rating.”

Catriona Stewart, head of the Food Hygiene Ratings Team at the Food Standards Agency, said: "On Valentine’s Day people are focused on making sure that special lunch or dinner goes well and that they make a good impression with their date.

We want them to factor in the food hygiene rating when deciding where to go and then enjoy their romantic meal out.”

For more information, visit www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/hygieneratings