Braintree Council is urging people organising Christmas meals to check more than just the menu.

The council is encouraging residents to check out food hygiene ratings as well, with its environmental health officers having been busy inspecting food outlets across the district.

Restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways and other places that sell food are all graded from five (very good) to zero (urgent improvement needed) as part of the national scheme.

The rating does not look at food quality, but assesses how well businesses meet the law on food hygiene, including how the food is handled in preparation, cooking, cooling and storage, the cleanliness of the eateries and food hygiene records.

Encouragingly, of the 936 places rated so far, more than half (539) achieved the top score.

Some 226 were given a four, 113 a three, 19 a two, 36 a one, and just three were handed the bottom zero score.

Cllr Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for place, said: “Our staff have assessed over 900 premises across the district and I am very pleased that over half have gained a five rating.

“The rating system is a straight forward way for customers to easily see how a particular food establishment has fared, and in the lead up to Christmas when we are eating out more it is well worth having a look at the rating before booking a meal.”

To check the hygiene ratings, visit food.gov.uk/ratings