Basildon Council is reminding residents to check food hygiene ratings before visiting restaurants and takeaways this festive season.

Officers from the Environmental Health Team are responsible for carrying out inspections making sure that food establishments meet the criteria. The ratings are from 0 to 5, 5 being very good. This year, 79 per cent of businesses are currently deemed to be rated a 5.

Chairman of Basildon Council’s Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee Councillor David Harrison said: “It can get quite busy around this time of year planning get-togethers with friends, family and even at work. It won’t hurt to take the time out to look at the hygiene rating of the venue that you choose to dine at.

“Apart from serving hygiene improvement notices, we also want to support businesses that want their businesses to be of an exceptional standard. This is to ensure that their hygiene rating is acceptable so that both customers and businesses are satisfied.

“It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

To ensure your Christmas is free from food poisoning, head over to the Basildon Council website www.basildon.gov.uk/food to get some top tips.