People planning to treat their loved one to a meal out for Valentine’s day can be confident their dinner will be hygienic at the very least.

Almost 80 per cent of the 684 restaurants in Sutton now score three or more out of five in the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme, which rates restaurants, cafés, takeaways and canteens according to Sutton Council inspection

It means diners can choose from 541 eateries that meet the three-star standard – although it is worth avoiding the five establishments that scored no stars in their most recent inspections.

Catriona Stewart, head of food hygiene ratings at the Food Standards Agency, added: “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a great tool when choosing where to eat out, particularly when celebrating a special meal, because it tells you what’s going in the kitchen and behind the scenes.”

People can check how restaurants fare in the ratings by visiting www.food.gov.uk/ratings or by looking out for green stickers on restaurants’ doors.

Councillor Simon Wales, who launched the scheme when he was Sutton council’s lead member for trading standards, said: “The borough is committed to ensuring all food businesses are regularly inspected and offered food safety guidance and coaching. This is not just about rewarding the best, but is about encouraging those who need to make improvements.”